Ms. Kourany has outstanding expertise and a keen interest in human rights and global security issues. She began her career with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where she spent ten years working in various African countries.

She then joined the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specializing in international law and human rights. Her work focused on major issues such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and UN Security Council Resolutions 1662 and 1882 on children and armed conflict. Ms. Kourany was a key player in Canada’s efforts to extend the definition of children affected by armed conflict to include more vulnerable young people.

Internationally, she has represented Canada at key forums, including the United Nations General Assembly, the Peacebuilding Commission and the Human Rights Council. As Chief Negotiator for Canada, she chaired the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme Reform Committee and led major governance initiatives in the extractive industries.

During her career, she also served as special assistant to the Prime Minister’s personal representative for the G8 in Africa. She oversaw the implementation of the 2002 Kananaskis Accord within the framework of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the African Union. Before retiring in 2019, she held the position of Head of the Secretariat coordinating Canada’s fight against Daesh as well as the crises in Syria and Iraq.

Ms. Kourany is multilingual and fluent in French, English, Spanish and Arabic, strengthening her effectiveness in multicultural and international contexts.