Amina Mohammed

Amina Jane Mohammed (born September 23, 1961) is a prominent Nigerian diplomat and international development expert who has held significant positions in global governance. She earned her BA from the University of Lagos and later studied at Harvard University, establishing herself as an expert in sustainable development policy. Mohammed served as Nigeria's Minister of Environment and was instrumental in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the UN Special Adviser to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, playing a crucial role in crafting and promoting this transformative global agenda. In 2017, she was appointed Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations by Secretary-General António Guterres, making her the highest-ranking Nigerian in UN history and one of the most powerful women in international governance. In this role, she oversees UN operations and advocates for gender equality, sustainable development, and climate action. Mohammed has been a trailblazer in African representation within the UN system and has worked tirelessly to ensure that developing nations' voices are heard in global decision-making. Her career exemplifies how African women are increasingly prominent in shaping international policy and governance, and her legacy continues to influence how the UN prioritizes development, environmental sustainability, and inclusive global leadership.