His leadership demonstrated that power does not have to oppress — it can uplift and protect. His empire became a model for diversity, tolerance, and the rule of law, long before these ideas were formalized in modern constitutions or charters. Toronto’s multicultural identity — where over 180 languages are spoken and countless communities coexist — is a living embodiment of the spirit Cyrus championed more than two millennia ago.
A land acknowledgment and welcoming remarks by community leaders, recognizing the harmony between Indigenous values of respect for all living beings and the humanistic legacy of Cyrus the Great. Music and poetry inspired by Persian heritage will bring the event to life — featuring traditional Persian instruments, modern interpretations of classical pieces, and visual projections of ancient Persepolis and the Cyrus Cylinder.
