Omkar was the Founding President and is a Governor of WOBO.
He was the Chief Controller of Prosecutions, Law Department, City of Calgary, Canada 1977 – 1997
Omkar Nath Channan was passionate about establishing a world-wide organization that would leave legacy through the pursuit of its purpose, facilitate cooperation and coordination among member nations and promote global initiatives to the benefit of humanity.
He made a submission to the United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations on 24th February, 1987, and at its recommendation the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, at its full regular session on 19th May, 1987, granted Category II Consultative Status (now known as Special Consultative Status) to the World Organization of Building Officials.
He was Public Member of the College of Medical Diagnostic, Therapeutic & Technologists Appointed under Health Professions Act of Alberta, for a term of three years effective 2008.
He has held a breadth of positions with diverse responsibilities including being a Member of the Development and Sub-Division Appeal Committees, and the Assessment Review Board of Rocky View County. He was Senator Emeritus for the University of Calgary and also currently the President, Calgary – Jaipur Development Foundation (Sister-cities of Canada and India).
Omkar has headed delegations to the Governing Council of the U.N. Centre for Human Settlements, UN-HABITAT.
He was the President, United Nations Association in Canada Calgary Branch, Regional Prairie Vice President, United Nations Association in Canada, (National Board). Member of the Languages Committee of Olympics and Manager of the Language Services Committee of the Seventh World Police/Fire Games held in Calgary.
He was an International Consultant to the United Arab Emirates UAE Contractors Association, and was a Member of; the Standing Committee of the Associate Committee of the National Fire Code of Canada of the Canada National Research Council, the Architectural Advisory Committee of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and the International Business Committee of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
He was an Integral Member and Liaison for City of Calgary Trade Mission to India aswell as for the Chamber of Commerce Trade Mission to India including for the CFCN TV Unit that filmed five series Focus on India and half an hour documentary entitled Rajasthan the Land of Kings
He was instrumental in naming Jaipur Bridge that connects Princes Island Park to Barclay Estate downtown Calgary. The City of Calgary also placed a plaque on Jaipur Bridge connecting Eau Claire Estate to Prince Island, downtown Calgary, in recognition of contributions made by Omkar Nath Channan and Maharaj (Prince) Jai Singh of Jaipur, India.
Museums of Regiments based in Calgary with the cooperation of the Calgary-Jaipur development foundation displayed a unique exhibit honouring the “The Indian Army, Side by Side with Canada’s Sons and Daughters, 1914 and 1945 World Wars”
He was profiled as one of 41 prominent Canadians in the A List an initiative of The Indian Dispora
He is Vice President of Mental Health Law Association
Omkar is an author of the Comprehensive Digest of East African Civil Law Reports 1896-1954: The Role of the Court Interpreter with a Foreword by The Right Hon. Lord Hailsham of St. Marylebone, P.C., C.H., former Chancellor of the British House of Lords and has presented papers at Conferences and World Congresses.
Omkar was the recipient of ;
- Canada Governor-General’s Medal
- Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jublee Medal
- Achievement Award from the Government of Alberta, Canada
- Calgary Chamber of Commerce recognized for Outstanding Contribution
- Peter Stone Award from the Chartered Association of Building Engineers of the United Kingdom
- Award of Excellence from the United Arab Emirates Contractors’ Association
The first WOBO LEGACY AWARD 2024 was presented to Omkar Channon during the ICC’s 30th Anniversary Meeting In Long Beach, California.