Indira Naidoo-Harris, associate vice-president, Diversity and Human Rights, at the University of Guelph, has been appointed to the board of the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Association of Canada.
“I am deeply honoured and excited to join the board of the NATO Association of Canada, an incredibly important organization right now when it comes to the promotion of peace, prosperity and security through education and engagement for Canadians,” Naidoo-Harris says.
A former national journalist and Ontario cabinet minister, who held posts in the ministries of education, finance and the status of women, Naidoo-Harris is a respected policymaker and a well-known human rights advocate.
“Indira Naidoo-Harris is a powerhouse in public leadership and human rights advocacy. She brings her incredible experience as a journalist, policymaker and Ontario’s first minister of the Status of Women to the NATO Association of Canada. We are thrilled to have her join our team and work with us to advance education, dialogue and engagement on transatlantic peace and security,” says Robert Baines, president and CEO, NATO Association of Canada.
Prior to joining the University of Guelph in 2019, Naidoo-Harris worked on anti-human trafficking legislation, women’s economic empowerment, equity and inclusive education strategies. She has also collaborated with educators, community leaders, student organizations, parents and post-secondary institutions promoting fairness and inclusion in education.
“I am pleased to be able to use my experience and skills to help further the association’s important work in education, human rights and dialogue,” she says.
The NATO Association of Canada was created in 1996 with a mission to promote knowledge and understanding about NATO among Canadians while advocating for peace, prosperity and security. Through conferences, workshops and other events, it educates Canadians about the importance of NATO and the role Canada plays in the alliance and on the global stage.
Board members help guide the organization, providing advice and support on key initiatives and programs developed in the name of security, human rights and development. Communication plays an important role in engaging Canadians about peacebuilding and NATO’s work building a strong future for everyone.
“These are incredibly challenging times for Canadians and our global partners,” Naidoo-Harris says. “The world is changing and evolving. I am energized to be working with such a remarkable group of people as we work together to lay a solid foundation for the future for our people, our country and our partners.”