Akaash Maharaj is the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), and leads the international alliance of democratically‑elected legislators in its work combatting corruption, strengthening good government, and upholding the rule of law. GOPAC has 58 national chapters, and is present in every region of the world.
In addition to his overall responsibilities, he directs GOPAC’s project on international prosecution of Crimes Against Humanity, its efforts on institution building in fragile states, and its work on reconciliation in conflict states.
A frequent contributor to international debate, his articles have been published by newspapers in every populated continent. He appeared as a broadcast essayist with TVOntario’s “The Agenda”, and Maclean’s magazine named him as one of Canada’s 50 “most well known and respected personalities”.
Outside of his professional life, he is an international athlete, and was a triple gold medallist at the International Championships of Equestrian Skill‑at‑Arms. He also led the Canadian Equestrian team and federation as CEO through the team’s most successful Olympics and Paralympics of all time.
Akaash read Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Oxford University, and is the only overseas student to have been elected President of the Oxford University Student Union. He is a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society and of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
He has been decorated twice in Canada’s national honours, for his work on peace in the Middle East and for his service to the integrity of international sport.
An active volunteer, Akaash has taught adult literacy, has served as a director on a range of international development and local community boards, and has been particularly involved with UNICEF’s efforts on childhood and maternal welfare. He is fluent in English and French.
Akaash’s personal web site is www.Maharaj.org.
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