Raj Kumar

Raj Kumar Gujar is a development professional and scholar of international conflict management whose career has centered on safeguarding the dignity and rights of minority communities. He is the first Pakistani to receive the Young Emerging Leaders Award from the U.S. Department of State, awarded for his work in peacebuilding through dialogue and education.

Raj is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in International Conflict Management at Kennesaw State University, building on a Master's in International Affairs from Baruch College, City University of New York. His research interests center on peacebuilding and social cohesion, interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and minority and women's rights — work he has presented at the International Studies Association, including "Fostering Peace Through Composite Heritage".

As a Consultant with UN Women in Islamabad, Raj worked to protect the rights of girls and women, including efforts to address the forced conversion of non-Muslim girls in Pakistan. As Director of Advocacy at Lost Voices of South Asia, he advocated for minority communities facing social injustice across South Asia, and as founder of the District Women Action Forum, he worked to equip women with knowledge of their fundamental and constitutional rights.

As Founder and CEO of the Dignity and Rights Foundation, Raj brings this record of scholarship and grassroots advocacy directly to the Foundation's mission: safeguarding the dignity and rights of minority communities in Pakistan and beyond.