Pascale Fournier is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Ottawa, Founding Director of the Human Rights Observatory at the UN, and former President and CEO of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. Holder of a Doctor of Laws degree from Harvard University, her work focuses on human rights, equality law, comparative law, access to justice, and Canada’s role on the global stage.

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Throughout her distinguished career, Professor Fournier has served as law clerk to the Honourable Justice Claire L’Heureux-Dubé at the Supreme Court of Canada, Vice-Dean of Research at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, and Commissioner at the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse. She has delivered more than 120 lectures internationally and has received numerous distinctions, including recognition as one of the “25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada” by Canadian Lawyer magazine.

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Her interdisciplinary leadership and commitment to inclusion continue to inspire students and researchers dedicated to advancing human rights and creating meaningful social change through accessible scholarship, dialogue, and international engagement, including at the United Nations.