Akaash Maharaj
@maharaj.org
Peacemaking, Pluralism, Conservation 🕊️
• Ambassador-at-Large, GOPAC
• Head of Policy, Nature Canada
• Sr Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs
• Governor, Royal Cdn Geographical Soc
• Canadian Equestrian Team 🥇🥇🥇🥉
🔗 https://maharaj.org/links
• Ambassador-at-Large, GOPAC
• Head of Policy, Nature Canada
• Sr Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs
• Governor, Royal Cdn Geographical Soc
• Canadian Equestrian Team 🥇🥇🥇🥉
🔗 https://maharaj.org/links
Pinned
Akaash Maharaj
@maharaj.org
· Dec 21
I thank the people and government of #Somalia for having me deliver the opening keynote at the Midaynta peace conference.
Somalia has long path to travel to achieve peace, justice, and prosperity.
But its fragile institutions have succeeded in at least loosening the grip of powerful warlords.
Somalia has long path to travel to achieve peace, justice, and prosperity.
But its fragile institutions have succeeded in at least loosening the grip of powerful warlords.
We have begun our negotiations on implementation of the @unbiodiversity.bsky.social Convention on Biological Diversity.
Is it ironic or apt that we are convening in Rome, amidst the ruins of a once-great civilisation, laid low by political decay and social despotism?
🌱 cbd.int
Is it ironic or apt that we are convening in Rome, amidst the ruins of a once-great civilisation, laid low by political decay and social despotism?
🌱 cbd.int
February 16, 2026 at 2:45 PM
We have begun our negotiations on implementation of the @unbiodiversity.bsky.social Convention on Biological Diversity.
Is it ironic or apt that we are convening in Rome, amidst the ruins of a once-great civilisation, laid low by political decay and social despotism?
🌱 cbd.int
Is it ironic or apt that we are convening in Rome, amidst the ruins of a once-great civilisation, laid low by political decay and social despotism?
🌱 cbd.int
This week, I will serve as a member of Canada’s State Delegation on implementation of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
Our negotiations in Rome will be unglamorous and laborious. I defy anyone to read the diplomatic papers without nodding off.
Yet, the stakes are unutterably high.
Our negotiations in Rome will be unglamorous and laborious. I defy anyone to read the diplomatic papers without nodding off.
Yet, the stakes are unutterably high.
February 15, 2026 at 3:21 PM
This week, I will serve as a member of Canada’s State Delegation on implementation of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
Our negotiations in Rome will be unglamorous and laborious. I defy anyone to read the diplomatic papers without nodding off.
Yet, the stakes are unutterably high.
Our negotiations in Rome will be unglamorous and laborious. I defy anyone to read the diplomatic papers without nodding off.
Yet, the stakes are unutterably high.
I will moderate a discussion between leaders of Canada’s Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities, on Québec’s Bill 9.
It would override the federal Charter of Rights & Freedoms and provincial Charter of Human Rights & Freedoms to limit religious expression in public spaces and public professions.
It would override the federal Charter of Rights & Freedoms and provincial Charter of Human Rights & Freedoms to limit religious expression in public spaces and public professions.
February 11, 2026 at 4:58 PM
I will moderate a discussion between leaders of Canada’s Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities, on Québec’s Bill 9.
It would override the federal Charter of Rights & Freedoms and provincial Charter of Human Rights & Freedoms to limit religious expression in public spaces and public professions.
It would override the federal Charter of Rights & Freedoms and provincial Charter of Human Rights & Freedoms to limit religious expression in public spaces and public professions.
I felt energised to be at a gathering of some of the most determined #nature organisations operating in Ontario.
We discussed how to rouse the love of nature that defines us as Canadians, to protect the natural world at a time when too many public actors tell us we no choice but to sacrifice it.
We discussed how to rouse the love of nature that defines us as Canadians, to protect the natural world at a time when too many public actors tell us we no choice but to sacrifice it.
February 6, 2026 at 6:28 PM
I felt energised to be at a gathering of some of the most determined #nature organisations operating in Ontario.
We discussed how to rouse the love of nature that defines us as Canadians, to protect the natural world at a time when too many public actors tell us we no choice but to sacrifice it.
We discussed how to rouse the love of nature that defines us as Canadians, to protect the natural world at a time when too many public actors tell us we no choice but to sacrifice it.
I am delighted the @rcgssgrc.bsky.social hosted a conversation between former prime ministers Jean Chrétien and Stephen Harper.
For all their differences, Chrétien and Harper clearly share a mutual respect and love of country.
They showed that we can disagree without despising one another.
For all their differences, Chrétien and Harper clearly share a mutual respect and love of country.
They showed that we can disagree without despising one another.
February 4, 2026 at 2:16 PM
I am delighted the @rcgssgrc.bsky.social hosted a conversation between former prime ministers Jean Chrétien and Stephen Harper.
For all their differences, Chrétien and Harper clearly share a mutual respect and love of country.
They showed that we can disagree without despising one another.
For all their differences, Chrétien and Harper clearly share a mutual respect and love of country.
They showed that we can disagree without despising one another.
The Saddlers will launch London’s Festival of the Professions, next week.
It is one of the few mediaeval guilds still involved in its trade. I joined as an equestrian athlete, to support its vocational education programmes.
We need more tradespeople, and to better value the dignity of their work.
It is one of the few mediaeval guilds still involved in its trade. I joined as an equestrian athlete, to support its vocational education programmes.
We need more tradespeople, and to better value the dignity of their work.
January 29, 2026 at 2:50 PM
The Saddlers will launch London’s Festival of the Professions, next week.
It is one of the few mediaeval guilds still involved in its trade. I joined as an equestrian athlete, to support its vocational education programmes.
We need more tradespeople, and to better value the dignity of their work.
It is one of the few mediaeval guilds still involved in its trade. I joined as an equestrian athlete, to support its vocational education programmes.
We need more tradespeople, and to better value the dignity of their work.
Canadians are worried about meeting our basic needs; governments are right to prioritise employment and economics.
And the best way to generate sustainable jobs is to build our economy on a foundation of environmental responsibility.
I spoke with @TheNarwhal.ca
📰 thenarwhal.ca/canada-misse...
And the best way to generate sustainable jobs is to build our economy on a foundation of environmental responsibility.
I spoke with @TheNarwhal.ca
📰 thenarwhal.ca/canada-misse...
January 26, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Canadians are worried about meeting our basic needs; governments are right to prioritise employment and economics.
And the best way to generate sustainable jobs is to build our economy on a foundation of environmental responsibility.
I spoke with @TheNarwhal.ca
📰 thenarwhal.ca/canada-misse...
And the best way to generate sustainable jobs is to build our economy on a foundation of environmental responsibility.
I spoke with @TheNarwhal.ca
📰 thenarwhal.ca/canada-misse...
I enjoyed sitting down with Sarah Barnes, Curator of Sport and Leisure at the Canadian Museum of History, to discuss the connections between sport, nature, and national identity.
The @canmushistory.bsky.social itself, designed by Douglas Cardinal, is as much a work of art as the artefacts within.
The @canmushistory.bsky.social itself, designed by Douglas Cardinal, is as much a work of art as the artefacts within.
January 22, 2026 at 4:14 PM
I enjoyed sitting down with Sarah Barnes, Curator of Sport and Leisure at the Canadian Museum of History, to discuss the connections between sport, nature, and national identity.
The @canmushistory.bsky.social itself, designed by Douglas Cardinal, is as much a work of art as the artefacts within.
The @canmushistory.bsky.social itself, designed by Douglas Cardinal, is as much a work of art as the artefacts within.
Reposted by Akaash Maharaj
You asked, we delivered: @therundowntvo.bsky.social
is now a podcast! Listen to the first episode of 2026 on January 19, and follow wherever you get your podcasts.
is now a podcast! Listen to the first episode of 2026 on January 19, and follow wherever you get your podcasts.
Welcome to The Rundown
open.spotify.com
January 12, 2026 at 7:38 PM
You asked, we delivered: @therundowntvo.bsky.social
is now a podcast! Listen to the first episode of 2026 on January 19, and follow wherever you get your podcasts.
is now a podcast! Listen to the first episode of 2026 on January 19, and follow wherever you get your podcasts.
January 9, 2026 at 5:59 PM
Because @bsky.app is built on the open-source @atproto.com protocol, much of its information open to public scrutiny.
For me as an individual, it lets me see my #Bluesky year in review.
Far more importantly, for us as societies, it enables public accountability and augments social media integrity.
For me as an individual, it lets me see my #Bluesky year in review.
Far more importantly, for us as societies, it enables public accountability and augments social media integrity.
December 31, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Because @bsky.app is built on the open-source @atproto.com protocol, much of its information open to public scrutiny.
For me as an individual, it lets me see my #Bluesky year in review.
Far more importantly, for us as societies, it enables public accountability and augments social media integrity.
For me as an individual, it lets me see my #Bluesky year in review.
Far more importantly, for us as societies, it enables public accountability and augments social media integrity.
Reposted by Akaash Maharaj
Merry Christmas ❄️ Joyeux Noel
📸 : Kathryn Peiman (Fox), Tammy Nash (Barred Owl), stock (wolf), Hugues de Milleville (chickadee),
📸 : Kathryn Peiman (Fox), Tammy Nash (Barred Owl), stock (wolf), Hugues de Milleville (chickadee),
December 25, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Merry Christmas ❄️ Joyeux Noel
📸 : Kathryn Peiman (Fox), Tammy Nash (Barred Owl), stock (wolf), Hugues de Milleville (chickadee),
📸 : Kathryn Peiman (Fox), Tammy Nash (Barred Owl), stock (wolf), Hugues de Milleville (chickadee),
Goodbye #Mogadishu!
Before my trip, Global Affairs Canada’s advice to me was:
1) Do not go to #Somalia under any circumstances;
2) If you are already there, flee immediately.
The country has risks. But the people are kind, generous, and do not live in fear.
I am glad I came. I leave inspired.
Before my trip, Global Affairs Canada’s advice to me was:
1) Do not go to #Somalia under any circumstances;
2) If you are already there, flee immediately.
The country has risks. But the people are kind, generous, and do not live in fear.
I am glad I came. I leave inspired.
December 23, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Goodbye #Mogadishu!
Before my trip, Global Affairs Canada’s advice to me was:
1) Do not go to #Somalia under any circumstances;
2) If you are already there, flee immediately.
The country has risks. But the people are kind, generous, and do not live in fear.
I am glad I came. I leave inspired.
Before my trip, Global Affairs Canada’s advice to me was:
1) Do not go to #Somalia under any circumstances;
2) If you are already there, flee immediately.
The country has risks. But the people are kind, generous, and do not live in fear.
I am glad I came. I leave inspired.
I spent my final day in Mogadishu with European and Somali diplomats.
Francesca Di Mauro, @eudiplomacy.bsky.social Ambassador to Somalia, met with my #Midaynta colleagues and me, on democratic development and youth inclusion.
These are especially urgent issues, given Somalia’s upcoming elections.
Francesca Di Mauro, @eudiplomacy.bsky.social Ambassador to Somalia, met with my #Midaynta colleagues and me, on democratic development and youth inclusion.
These are especially urgent issues, given Somalia’s upcoming elections.
December 22, 2025 at 2:22 PM
I spent my final day in Mogadishu with European and Somali diplomats.
Francesca Di Mauro, @eudiplomacy.bsky.social Ambassador to Somalia, met with my #Midaynta colleagues and me, on democratic development and youth inclusion.
These are especially urgent issues, given Somalia’s upcoming elections.
Francesca Di Mauro, @eudiplomacy.bsky.social Ambassador to Somalia, met with my #Midaynta colleagues and me, on democratic development and youth inclusion.
These are especially urgent issues, given Somalia’s upcoming elections.
I thank the people and government of #Somalia for having me deliver the opening keynote at the Midaynta peace conference.
Somalia has long path to travel to achieve peace, justice, and prosperity.
But its fragile institutions have succeeded in at least loosening the grip of powerful warlords.
Somalia has long path to travel to achieve peace, justice, and prosperity.
But its fragile institutions have succeeded in at least loosening the grip of powerful warlords.
December 21, 2025 at 2:50 PM
I thank the people and government of #Somalia for having me deliver the opening keynote at the Midaynta peace conference.
Somalia has long path to travel to achieve peace, justice, and prosperity.
But its fragile institutions have succeeded in at least loosening the grip of powerful warlords.
Somalia has long path to travel to achieve peace, justice, and prosperity.
But its fragile institutions have succeeded in at least loosening the grip of powerful warlords.
Sunrise over the Great Rift Valley
We were treated to a beautiful sight, as our plane descended towards Mogadishu.
The valley is home to some of the oldest hominid remains ever uncovered. It may be the birthplace of the human race.
It is easy to imagine the Garden of Eden lying below the clouds.
We were treated to a beautiful sight, as our plane descended towards Mogadishu.
The valley is home to some of the oldest hominid remains ever uncovered. It may be the birthplace of the human race.
It is easy to imagine the Garden of Eden lying below the clouds.
December 19, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Sunrise over the Great Rift Valley
We were treated to a beautiful sight, as our plane descended towards Mogadishu.
The valley is home to some of the oldest hominid remains ever uncovered. It may be the birthplace of the human race.
It is easy to imagine the Garden of Eden lying below the clouds.
We were treated to a beautiful sight, as our plane descended towards Mogadishu.
The valley is home to some of the oldest hominid remains ever uncovered. It may be the birthplace of the human race.
It is easy to imagine the Garden of Eden lying below the clouds.
In Istanbul for the final link in a chain of flights to Mogadishu
I read “The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe” as a child.
It left me wondering what Turkish delight could be, given that Edmund betrayed his siblings for a box of the sweets.
It is delicious, but not quite enough to justify treason.
I read “The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe” as a child.
It left me wondering what Turkish delight could be, given that Edmund betrayed his siblings for a box of the sweets.
It is delicious, but not quite enough to justify treason.
December 18, 2025 at 10:02 PM
In Istanbul for the final link in a chain of flights to Mogadishu
I read “The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe” as a child.
It left me wondering what Turkish delight could be, given that Edmund betrayed his siblings for a box of the sweets.
It is delicious, but not quite enough to justify treason.
I read “The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe” as a child.
It left me wondering what Turkish delight could be, given that Edmund betrayed his siblings for a box of the sweets.
It is delicious, but not quite enough to justify treason.
I am off to Mogadishu, to join the #Midaynta Conference, to foster peace and development for Somalis and Canada’s Somali diaspora.
Somalia’s civil war has burned for two generations. At least a million people have perished, and millions more displaced.
Somalia’s civil war has burned for two generations. At least a million people have perished, and millions more displaced.
December 17, 2025 at 1:22 PM
I am off to Mogadishu, to join the #Midaynta Conference, to foster peace and development for Somalis and Canada’s Somali diaspora.
Somalia’s civil war has burned for two generations. At least a million people have perished, and millions more displaced.
Somalia’s civil war has burned for two generations. At least a million people have perished, and millions more displaced.
Is there a better way to celebrate the season of “peace and goodwill towards all” than with competitive axe throwing?
None that @naturecanada.bsky.social could think of.
I am a tad wary of the fact that my colleagues Samantha and Natalie are so proficient at hurling edged weapons across rooms.
None that @naturecanada.bsky.social could think of.
I am a tad wary of the fact that my colleagues Samantha and Natalie are so proficient at hurling edged weapons across rooms.
December 16, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Is there a better way to celebrate the season of “peace and goodwill towards all” than with competitive axe throwing?
None that @naturecanada.bsky.social could think of.
I am a tad wary of the fact that my colleagues Samantha and Natalie are so proficient at hurling edged weapons across rooms.
None that @naturecanada.bsky.social could think of.
I am a tad wary of the fact that my colleagues Samantha and Natalie are so proficient at hurling edged weapons across rooms.
When Canada takes a stand on the global stage, we do not always change the world.
But we always change ourselves for the better.
I spoke with @jeyantvo.bsky.social and @shannongormley.bsky.social at @therundowntvo.bsky.social, on why a principled foreign policy protects our identity domestically.
But we always change ourselves for the better.
I spoke with @jeyantvo.bsky.social and @shannongormley.bsky.social at @therundowntvo.bsky.social, on why a principled foreign policy protects our identity domestically.
December 11, 2025 at 2:16 PM
When Canada takes a stand on the global stage, we do not always change the world.
But we always change ourselves for the better.
I spoke with @jeyantvo.bsky.social and @shannongormley.bsky.social at @therundowntvo.bsky.social, on why a principled foreign policy protects our identity domestically.
But we always change ourselves for the better.
I spoke with @jeyantvo.bsky.social and @shannongormley.bsky.social at @therundowntvo.bsky.social, on why a principled foreign policy protects our identity domestically.
I enjoyed moderating @uofguelph.bsky.social’s tenth anniversary Equine Industry Symposium.
Speakers came from across the world to wrestle with profound questions: animal welfare; sport ethics; social licence; amongst others.
Video of our discussions are now online.
🖥️ youtu.be/_BkagTUVqSU
Speakers came from across the world to wrestle with profound questions: animal welfare; sport ethics; social licence; amongst others.
Video of our discussions are now online.
🖥️ youtu.be/_BkagTUVqSU
Equine Industry Symposium 2025 Night 1
YouTube video by BBRM Equine Management
youtu.be
December 8, 2025 at 1:27 PM
I enjoyed moderating @uofguelph.bsky.social’s tenth anniversary Equine Industry Symposium.
Speakers came from across the world to wrestle with profound questions: animal welfare; sport ethics; social licence; amongst others.
Video of our discussions are now online.
🖥️ youtu.be/_BkagTUVqSU
Speakers came from across the world to wrestle with profound questions: animal welfare; sport ethics; social licence; amongst others.
Video of our discussions are now online.
🖥️ youtu.be/_BkagTUVqSU
No individual can thrive if he is caged. No society can flourish if its people are deprived of access to nature.
I enjoyed being part of the panel at the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, on how increasing public green spaces could improve public health and reduce public medicare costs.
I enjoyed being part of the panel at the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, on how increasing public green spaces could improve public health and reduce public medicare costs.
December 4, 2025 at 1:20 PM
No individual can thrive if he is caged. No society can flourish if its people are deprived of access to nature.
I enjoyed being part of the panel at the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, on how increasing public green spaces could improve public health and reduce public medicare costs.
I enjoyed being part of the panel at the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, on how increasing public green spaces could improve public health and reduce public medicare costs.
My old College @stedmundhall.bsky.social suggested I send a message to my fellow matriculants.
I initially thought it was a terrible idea.
My friends at @ox.ac.uk & I had a talent for causing authorities hysterical grief.
But perhaps the time has come for us to make amends.
🎓 via.maharaj.org/seh
I initially thought it was a terrible idea.
My friends at @ox.ac.uk & I had a talent for causing authorities hysterical grief.
But perhaps the time has come for us to make amends.
🎓 via.maharaj.org/seh
December 3, 2025 at 1:53 PM
My old College @stedmundhall.bsky.social suggested I send a message to my fellow matriculants.
I initially thought it was a terrible idea.
My friends at @ox.ac.uk & I had a talent for causing authorities hysterical grief.
But perhaps the time has come for us to make amends.
🎓 via.maharaj.org/seh
I initially thought it was a terrible idea.
My friends at @ox.ac.uk & I had a talent for causing authorities hysterical grief.
But perhaps the time has come for us to make amends.
🎓 via.maharaj.org/seh
Mark Carney says Canada will no longer describe itself as having “a feminist foreign policy”.
Is this a change in the deep substance or superficial branding of our diplomacy?
I spoke with @jeyantvo.bsky.social and @shannongormley.bsky.social on @therundowntvo.bsky.social .
📺 youtu.be/VW1VpdMwpI4
Is this a change in the deep substance or superficial branding of our diplomacy?
I spoke with @jeyantvo.bsky.social and @shannongormley.bsky.social on @therundowntvo.bsky.social .
📺 youtu.be/VW1VpdMwpI4
December 2, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Mark Carney says Canada will no longer describe itself as having “a feminist foreign policy”.
Is this a change in the deep substance or superficial branding of our diplomacy?
I spoke with @jeyantvo.bsky.social and @shannongormley.bsky.social on @therundowntvo.bsky.social .
📺 youtu.be/VW1VpdMwpI4
Is this a change in the deep substance or superficial branding of our diplomacy?
I spoke with @jeyantvo.bsky.social and @shannongormley.bsky.social on @therundowntvo.bsky.social .
📺 youtu.be/VW1VpdMwpI4
Reposted by Akaash Maharaj
Should Canada be striking deals with dictatorships and authoritarian states? What compromises will Canada have to make to chase more global trade? @jeyantvo.bsky.social asks @shannongormley.bsky.social and @maharaj.org (GOPAC, Munk School) tonight at 8pm | Producer: Preeti Bhuyan
December 1, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Should Canada be striking deals with dictatorships and authoritarian states? What compromises will Canada have to make to chase more global trade? @jeyantvo.bsky.social asks @shannongormley.bsky.social and @maharaj.org (GOPAC, Munk School) tonight at 8pm | Producer: Preeti Bhuyan