“We cannot transform our world unless we transform the lives of women and girls.”
Early Life and Education:
Amina Jane Mohammed was born on June 27, 1961, in Gombe State, Nigeria, to a Nigerian father and a British mother. Raised in a multicultural household, she developed a strong appreciation for both local values and global perspectives. Her early education took place in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, giving her a well-rounded foundation that would serve her throughout her international career. From a young age, she showed interest in public service and community development—interests that would later define her life’s work.
Entry into Development Work:
Before stepping into government or diplomacy, Amina spent over two decades working in Nigeria’s development sector. She collaborated with various organizations focused on education, women’s empowerment, and poverty alleviation. Her passion for grassroots development earned her recognition nationally and internationally. This work paved the way for her appointment as Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2012, where she played a pivotal role in shaping what would become the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Return to Serve Nigeria:
In 2015, Amina was appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Environment under President Muhammadu Buhari. During her time in office, she led ambitious efforts to combat deforestation, reduce carbon emissions, and promote environmental sustainability. She worked on restoring degraded lands and protecting Nigeria’s ecosystems. Though her ministerial tenure was brief, ending in 2017 when she was recalled to the UN, her impact on Nigeria’s environmental policies was widely acknowledged.
UN Deputy Secretary-General:
In early 2017, Amina made history when she was appointed Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, the highest-ever global position held by a Nigerian. As second-in-command to Secretary-General António Guterres, she coordinates global development efforts and oversees the implementation of the SDGs across all UN agencies. She was reappointed in 2022, a testament to her effectiveness, vision, and diplomatic skill. In this capacity, she travels extensively, mediating between governments, development agencies, and civil society.
Advocate for Women and Climate Action:
Amina is a vocal advocate for gender equality, girls’ education, and climate justice. She has emphasized that sustainable development cannot succeed without the active inclusion of women and marginalized communities. Her leadership style is defined by integrity, clarity, and deep empathy—qualities that have won her respect across the political and development spectrum. Whether addressing the UN General Assembly or visiting a rural village, her message remains consistent: inclusive progress is the only viable path forward.
Legacy and Inspiration:
Amina J. Mohammed’s journey from Gombe to the heart of global diplomacy is a powerful story of vision, resilience, and purpose. She has not only elevated Nigeria’s presence on the world stage but has also become a beacon of hope and inspiration for young Africans, especially women. Her career demonstrates that it is possible to lead with values, shape policy at the highest levels, and still stay rooted in service to one’s people.
