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Portrait of Diana Buttu

Diana Buttu

Palestinian Canadian lawyer and former PLO spokesperson

Born
1970
Born in
Toronto, Canada
Read Diana’s story2 videosAsk about Diana

Why Diana is here

Renowned for her advocacy for Palestinian rights and her role in international legal and media representation of Palestinian issues.

Their story

Diana Buttu is a Palestinian-Canadian lawyer, analyst, and former spokesperson for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). She has served as a legal advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and has been a prominent voice in advocating for Palestinian rights on international platforms. Buttu has worked extensively with media outlets to communicate the Palestinian narrative and has held various academic and advisory positions at prestigious institutions.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Diana’s path.

  1. Earned Law Degrees

    Holds a BA and LL.M. from the University of Toronto, a JD from Queen’s University, a JSM from Stanford, and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School.

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  2. 2000

    Joined the PLO’s Negotiation Support Unit

    Took a position with the PLO’s Negotiation Support Unit during the Second Intifada, marking the beginning of her active involvement in Palestinian advocacy.

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  3. 2005

    Became Legal Advisor to Mahmoud Abbas

    Appointed as legal and communications advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, contributing to the strategic planning and international advocacy efforts of the Palestinian Authority.

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  4. Media Advocacy

    After leaving the NSU, Buttu focused on explaining the Palestinian perspective to international media, working with journalists and appearing on major news outlets to discuss the realities of the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

  5. Academic Contributions

    Held fellowships at Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Law School, and Stanford University, and taught at Birzeit University, using her academic platform to further educate and advocate for Palestinian rights.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Advocacy for Palestinian Rights

    Through her role with the PLO and as a media commentator, Buttu has been a staunch advocate for Palestinian rights, bringing international attention to the injustices faced by Palestinians under occupation.

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  2. Media Engagement

    Buttu has worked tirelessly to present the Palestinian narrative in international media, countering mainstream biases and ensuring that the Palestinian perspective is heard globally.

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  3. Legal Expertise

    Provided legal advice and strategic direction to the Palestinian leadership, helping to shape policies and responses to the challenges posed by the Israeli occupation.

  4. Public Speaking and Education

    Buttu has engaged in extensive public speaking, educating international audiences about the Palestinian cause and advocating for justice and equality for Palestinians.

  5. Support for Palestinian Institutions

    Through her academic roles and involvement with organizations like Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network, Buttu has contributed to the development of Palestinian civil society and policy-making.

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Watch & listen

Diana in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Advocacy for Palestinian Rights↗

  • 02Media Engagement↗

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