Amina Jane Mohammed is a trailblazing diplomat, politician, and advocate for sustainable development, whose leadership has shaped global policies on climate action, gender equality, and social justice. As the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, she is at the forefront of advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that nations worldwide prioritize environmental conservation, economic growth, and social equity. Her outstanding contributions have earned her a well-deserved place among the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent in 2025.
Born on June 27, 1961, in Liverpool, England, to a Nigerian veterinarian and a British nurse, Ms. Mohammed’s multicultural background has deeply influenced her inclusive and global approach to leadership. She spent her early years in Kaduna and Maiduguri, Nigeria, before attending The Buchan School on the Isle of Man. In 1989, she furthered her studies at Henley Management College, equipping herself with the strategic expertise that would define her career.
Ms. Mohammed’s professional journey began with designing schools and clinics in Nigeria, reflecting her deep commitment to strengthening social infrastructure. Between 2002 and 2005, she coordinated the Task Force on Gender and Education for the United Nations Millennium Project, solidifying her dedication to gender equality and education reform. Her leadership was soon recognized at the national level when she was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), where she strategically directed debt relief funds to drive national development efforts.
Her influence extended onto the global stage in 2012, when she was appointed as the Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Post-2015 Development Planning. In this role, she was instrumental in crafting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a blueprint for achieving a more just, equitable, and environmentally sustainable world. She further demonstrated her expertise in environmental policy as Nigeria’s Minister of Environment (2015-2016), where she spearheaded climate action strategies and national conservation initiatives.
On January 1, 2017, Ms. Mohammed made history when she assumed the position of Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, becoming one of the highest-ranking women in the UN. Through this role, she continues to lead efforts in tackling climate change, eradicating poverty, and fostering global peace and security.
Ms. Mohammed’s exceptional leadership has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including the Order of the Federal Republic (2006), induction into the Nigerian Women’s Hall of Fame (2007), and the Global Citizen Prize World Leader Award (2019).
With an unwavering commitment to driving sustainable change, empowering women, and transforming global policies, Amina Mohammed stands as one of the most influential figures of her generation. Through her visionary leadership and relentless advocacy, she continues to inspire millions and shape a future where sustainability, equality, and development are at the heart of global governance.
Leave a comment