A Global Leader Emerge from the Heart of Africa
As Damilola Ogunbiyi stepped onto the stage at the TIME Earth Awards ceremony in New York, the air was electric with anticipation. The CEO and special representative of the UN secretary-general for Sustainable Energy for All, and co-chair of UN-Energy, beamed with pride as she accepted the prestigious honour on behalf of Nigeria. Her achievement marked a watershed moment in African history, solidifying the continent’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the global fight against climate change.
The stakes of Ogunbiyi’s recognition cannot be overstated. As one of six global leaders honoured by TIME in its 2026 Earth Awards, she joins an elite group of individuals who are redefining the boundaries of sustainability and climate action. Ogunbiyi’s work at the helm of Sustainable Energy for All has been instrumental in driving progress towards universal access to energy, a critical component of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Her dedication and expertise have inspired a new generation of leaders to take up the mantle of climate action, and her recognition by TIME serves as a powerful endorsement of her tireless efforts.
The Making of a Climate Champion
Damilola Ogunbiyi’s journey to the forefront of the climate movement is a testament to her unwavering commitment and unrelenting passion. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ogunbiyi’s early life was marked by a deep appreciation for the natural world and a desire to make a positive impact on her community. She pursued a career in engineering, earning a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Lagos, before transitioning into a role in the energy sector. Her expertise quickly earned her recognition, and she went on to hold senior positions in the Nigerian energy industry, including a stint as the managing director of the Rural Electrification Agency.
Ogunbiyi’s rise to prominence within the UN was swift and meteoric. In 2016, she was appointed as the special representative of the UN secretary-general for Sustainable Energy for All, a position that has enabled her to leverage her expertise and experience to drive global progress on energy access and climate action. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and her work has been instrumental in mobilizing governments, businesses, and civil society to take action on climate change.
A New Era of African Leadership
Ogunbiyi’s recognition by TIME is a significant milestone in a broader narrative of African leadership on the global stage. In recent years, the continent has produced a string of high-achieving leaders who are redefining the boundaries of what is possible. From the likes of Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank, to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director-general of the World Trade Organization, African leaders are increasingly taking centre stage in global affairs.
Ogunbiyi’s achievement serves as a powerful reminder that African nations and people are not simply recipients of aid or benevolence, but rather full agents of their own story. Her leadership demonstrates that African voices are being heard, and that the continent is producing a new generation of leaders who are equipped to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. As the world grapples with the complexities of climate change, African leaders like Ogunbiyi are providing a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of African ingenuity.
Reactions and Implications
The news of Ogunbiyi’s recognition has been met with widespread acclaim in Nigeria and beyond. President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated her on her achievement, praising her dedication to the fight against climate change. The Nigerian government has also expressed its commitment to supporting Ogunbiyi’s work, recognizing the critical role that energy access plays in driving economic development and poverty reduction.
Internationally, Ogunbiyi’s achievement has been hailed as a significant milestone in the fight against climate change. The UN secretary-general has praised her “tireless efforts” and “visionary leadership,” while the CEO of TIME has acknowledged her “inspiring” work in driving progress towards universal energy access.
A New Chapter in Climate Action
As Ogunbiyi’s work continues to inspire and empower a new generation of leaders, the implications of her recognition are far-reaching and profound. Her achievement serves as a reminder that climate action is not a distant threat, but a pressing reality that requires immediate attention and collective action. As the world navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing climate, African leaders like Ogunbiyi are providing a roadmap for sustainable development and climate action.
In the coming months and years, Ogunbiyi’s leadership will continue to shape the global conversation on climate change. Her work at the helm of Sustainable Energy for All will remain a critical component of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and her influence will be felt across the continent and beyond. As Africa continues to emerge as a major player on the global stage, Damilola Ogunbiyi’s achievement serves as a powerful reminder that the continent’s future is bright, and that its leaders are equipped to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.