“...I WILL STAND FOR DIFFERENCE UNTIL DIFFERENCE MAKES
NO DIFFERENCE”
- RAJA KHOUri
Raja K is a prominent community leader, social entrepreneur and human rights advocate. His active work in equity projects over the past 20 years, including intercultural outreach, ten years as commissioner at the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and advocacy leadership with Human Rights Watch – all demonstrate his commitment to mobilizing people behind causes of equality, inclusion and civic engagement. Raja’s firm belief in diversity and multiculturalism reflects his principles and efforts to collaboratively work towards creating a more inclusive and respectful society. With a particular interest in promoting intercultural conversations and strengthening our multicultural fabric, Raja is curator of Khouri Conversations, a forum for promoting intercultural understanding, inclusion, respect -- and human rights for all.
Biography
Raja G. Khouri is a seasoned professional and recognized leader in social innovation, inter-cultural relations, advocacy, human rights and inclusion. He is founder and CEO of Khouri Conversations, a public forum for promoting intercultural understanding, inclusion, respect -- and human rights for all. He is founding president of the Canadian Arab Institute, former senior fellow with the Wellesley Institute, and previously served for 10 years as commissioner with the Ontario Human Rights Commission. Raja is Canada Committee member of Human Rights Watch and co-founder of the Canadian Arab/Jewish Leadership Dialogue Group. His professional background is in organizational development, public engagement and capacity building.
Raja formerly served on several governmental and civil society bodies, such as Ontario’s Hate Crimes Community Working Group (for the Attorney General and Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services), the Minister of Education’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy Roundtable, Pride Toronto Community Advisory Panel, the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs, and as advocacy co-chair of Human Rights Watch Canada. He also served as president of the Canadian Arab Federation in the period following the events of 9/11.
Raja’s earlier career included a senior management position at CIBC (human resources) and management consulting tenures in Europe and the Middle East. He has chaired conferences, given and moderated lectures, given numerous media interviews, and published commentaries in journals and major Canadian dailies. He's the author of Arabs in Canada: Post 9/11.