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Amina J. Mohammed

This article is about the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. For the Kenyan Sports minister, see Amina Mohamed. For the Egyptian dancer, actress and film director, see Amina Mohamed (film director).

Her Excellency Amina J. Mohammed

GCON

Mohammed in 2023

Personal details

Amina Jane Mohammed: A Diplomat's Unyielding Ascent

Amina Jane Mohammed, a name that, if one were truly paying attention, resonates with the quiet hum of global diplomacy and the relentless pursuit of development goals, holds the distinguished national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). Born on 27 June 1961, this Nigerian-British diplomat and astute politician currently navigates the labyrinthine corridors of power as the 5th Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Her tenure in this pivotal role commenced on 1 January 2017, placing her directly alongside United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in the daunting task of steering the world's primary international organization.

Prior to her current formidable position, Mohammed served with a certain, perhaps expected, efficiency as the Nigerian Minister of Environment from November 2015 to December 2016 under President Muhammadu Buhari. It was a brief, yet impactful, period that preceded her ascent to the global stage. Her influence, however, extends far beyond specific ministerial portfolios; she was a central figure, a key architect, in the intricate and often frustrating Post-2015 Development Agenda process, which eventually gave birth to the Sustainable Development Goals. Currently, she also presides as the Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, an entity tasked with ensuring the coherence and effectiveness of UN development activities worldwide. It’s a role that demands both vision and an almost supernatural patience for bureaucratic consensus, a trait she evidently possesses in abundance.

Early life and education: Forged in Two Worlds

Amina Jane Mohammed, a woman whose trajectory seems less coincidental and more pre-ordained by an inconvenient destiny, first drew breath in Liverpool, England, on 27 June 1961. Her heritage is a compelling fusion: her father, a Fulani Nigerian, served as a veterinarian and an officer, instilling a sense of discipline and purpose, while her mother was a British nurse, perhaps contributing to the practical, empathetic streak that occasionally surfaces. As the eldest of five daughters, she was likely burdened with responsibilities from an early age, a common enough prelude to a life of global leadership. This dual heritage, straddling two distinct cultures and continents, undoubtedly provided her with a unique, perhaps even burdensome, perspective on global challenges and the delicate art of cross-cultural negotiation.

Her early education was a tapestry woven across continents. Mohammed began her primary schooling in Nigeria, attending institutions in both Kaduna and Maiduguri, before transitioning to The Buchan School on the quaint, yet academically rigorous, Isle of Man. This early exposure to diverse educational environments, from the bustling cities of Nigeria to a more secluded European island, must have cultivated a remarkable adaptability. She continued her academic pursuits at Henley Management College in 1989, focusing on management, a practical choice for someone seemingly destined for leadership. It is noteworthy, and perhaps refreshingly pragmatic in an era obsessed with credentials, that she does not hold a formal bachelor's degree. Her education seems to have been less about accumulating traditional accolades and more about acquiring tangible skills. Following the completion of her studies abroad, a pivotal moment arrived: her father, exercising paternal authority, insisted upon her return to Nigeria. This directive, rather than a hindrance, appears to have grounded her firmly in the nation she would later serve with such distinction, setting the stage for her career dedicated to its development.

Career: A Relentless March Towards Global Impact

Mohammed's professional journey commenced in 1981, exhibiting an immediate gravitation towards the practical application of knowledge. For a decade, until 1991, she lent her considerable talents to Archcon Nigeria, an architectural design firm that operated in collaboration with the United Kingdom's own Norman and Dawbarn. This initial immersion in design and development laid a foundational understanding of infrastructure and project management, skills that would prove invaluable in her later, far more complex roles. Not content to merely execute, Mohammed took the entrepreneurial leap in 1991, establishing Afri-Projects Consortium. She served as its Executive Director for a decade, until 2001, demonstrating an early capacity for leadership, strategic planning, and the intricate dance of managing large-scale initiatives within a developing economy.

Her transition to the international arena began in earnest from 2002 to 2005, when Mohammed took on the critical role of coordinating the Task Force on Gender and Education for the United Nations Millennium Project. This was a crucial period for global development, as the world began to coalesce around the ambitious Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Her work here underscored her commitment to equitable development, focusing on the fundamental pillars of gender equality and access to education as catalysts for broader societal progress.

Following this, Mohammed returned to serve her home country, taking on the demanding role of Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This was no mere advisory position; in 2005, she was specifically entrusted with the monumental task of coordinating Nigeria's substantial debt relief funds. The objective was clear: to channel these resources effectively towards the ambitious targets set by the MDGs. Her mandate was expansive and innovative, encompassing the design and implementation of a "Virtual Poverty Fund." This groundbreaking initiative employed novel approaches to poverty reduction, streamlined budget coordination, and established robust monitoring mechanisms. Furthermore, she provided invaluable counsel on a spectrum of pressing issues, from the persistent challenges of poverty and the imperative for public sector reform to the overarching necessity of sustainable development. It was a role that demanded both strategic foresight and meticulous operational execution, a balancing act she performed with visible, if weary, competence.

Beyond her governmental and direct UN roles, Amina Mohammed also founded and served as CEO of the Center for Development Policy Solutions, an independent think tank dedicated to fostering innovative policy approaches. Simultaneously, she shared her practical wisdom as an adjunct professor for the Master's in Development Practice program at the prestigious Columbia University. During this period, her expertise was in high demand across numerous international advisory boards and panels. These included the UN Secretary-General's High-level Panel on Post-2015 Development Agenda, where she contributed to shaping the global development framework that would succeed the MDGs, and the Independent Expert Advisory Group on the Data Revolution for Sustainable Development, emphasizing her understanding of the critical role of data in achieving progress. She also held the significant position of Chair on the Advisory Board for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Monitoring Report on Education (GME), further cementing her influence in the education sector.

From 2012 onwards, Mohammed emerged as an absolutely central figure, a veritable linchpin, in the complex and often contentious Post-2015 Development Agenda process. Her role as Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Post-2015 development planning was critical. In this capacity, she functioned as the indispensable bridge, the crucial link, between the Secretary-General, his High Level Panel of Eminent Persons (HLP), and the General Assembly’s Open Working Group (OWG), alongside a myriad of other stakeholders. It was a role requiring immense diplomatic skill to synthesize disparate viewpoints into a cohesive global vision. Commencing in 2014, she further contributed her insights as a member of the Secretary-General's Independent Expert Advisory Group on the Data Revolution for Sustainable Development, highlighting her consistent focus on evidence-based policy and the power of information to drive progress.

Minister of the Environment (2015–2017): Navigating Domestic Waters

Amina Mohammed’s return to direct national service saw her appointed as Federal Minister of the Environment within the First Cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari. She held this portfolio from November 2015 until February 2017, a relatively short but intensive period. During her tenure, she was not merely confined to national environmental policy; she also represented Nigeria on the African Union (AU) Reform Steering Committee, an important body chaired by Paul Kagame, demonstrating her continued engagement with broader continental issues. Her time as minister concluded when she resigned from the Nigerian Federal Executive Council on 24 February 2017, paving the way for her next, even more prominent, international appointment.

However, her ministerial term was not without its share of the political turbulence that often accompanies high office. In 2017, an advocacy group leveled accusations against Mohammed, alleging that she had granted illegal permits to Chinese firms for the import of endangered Nigerian timber during her time as environment minister. Such claims, often sensationalized, frequently dog those in positions of power, particularly in resource-rich nations. The Nigerian government, as is often the case in such scenarios, swiftly denied these claims, asserting her innocence. The full details and veracity of these accusations remain, as with many such political controversies, somewhat shrouded in the opaque workings of international trade and national governance. One might argue that navigating such treacherous waters is simply part of the job description for anyone aspiring to effect real change.

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (2017–present): The Global Stage

The culmination of Amina Mohammed's extensive career in development and diplomacy arrived in January 2017, when United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres formally announced his intention to appoint her as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. It was an appointment that surprised few who had followed her relentless trajectory. In this capacity, she is not merely a figurehead; she is actively involved in critical global initiatives. Notably, she serves as a key member of the UN Interagency Coordination Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (IACG), an organization grappling with one of humanity's most insidious and growing health threats. Her role here underscores the breadth of her responsibilities, extending from environmental policy to global public health, truly embodying the interconnected nature of the Sustainable Development Goals she helped champion.

Other Activities: A Web of Global Engagement

Beyond her formal roles, Amina Mohammed maintains an impressive, almost exhausting, array of engagements with various international organizations and initiatives. These memberships highlight her deep commitment to sustainable development, gender equality, and data-driven progress:

  • Africa Europe Foundation (AEF): Since 2020, she has been a Member of the High-Level Group of Personalities on Africa-Europe Relations, contributing to critical dialogues shaping the future of these two continents.
  • Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data: As a member of the Board of Directors since 2017, she continues to champion the use of robust data for effective development planning and monitoring.
  • ActionAid, International Right to Education Project: Her involvement on the Advisory Board of this project reiterates her unwavering commitment to ensuring access to quality education for all, a theme that has consistently threaded through her career.
  • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: She contributes her strategic insights as a Member of the Global Development Program's Advisory Board, influencing philanthropic efforts on a massive scale.
  • Hewlett Foundation: As a member of the Board, she helps guide the strategic direction of this significant philanthropic organization.
  • International Development Research Centre: Her role on the Board of Governors reflects her dedication to fostering research and innovation for global development.
  • International Gender Champions (IGC): As a Member, she actively advocates for gender equality in international organizations, a principle she has upheld throughout her professional life.
  • Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (ISTIC): Her presence on its Advisory Board indicates her recognition of the importance of scientific knowledge exchange in a globalized world.
  • World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders: As a member of the Board, she helps to nurture the next generation of global leaders, ensuring a pipeline of talent committed to addressing complex challenges.

Recognition: Accolades for a Life of Service

Mohammed's tireless efforts and profound impact have not gone unnoticed, earning her a series of significant recognitions and honors from both national and international bodies. These accolades serve as public acknowledgments of a career dedicated to public service and global development:

  • 2006 – Order of the Federal Republic: An early national honor from Nigeria, recognizing her contributions to the nation.
  • 2007 – Nigerian Women's Hall of Fame: An induction that cemented her place among Nigeria's most influential and impactful women.
  • 2015 – Ford Family Notre Dame Award for International Development and Solidarity: This prestigious award from the University of Notre Dame recognized her substantial contributions to international development efforts.
  • 2017 – Diplomat of the Year Awards: A testament to her diplomatic prowess and effectiveness on the global stage, awarded by Foreign Policy magazine.
  • 2018 – Sarraounia chieftaincy title of Niger: A unique cultural honor bestowed upon her by the Kings of Niger, signifying deep respect and recognition of her influence beyond national borders.
  • 2018 – BBC 100 Women: Recognized by the BBC for her impactful work as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, placing her among the world's most inspiring and influential women.
  • 2019 – Global Citizen Prize World Leader Award: This award celebrated her unwavering dedication to global citizenship and leadership in addressing pressing world issues.
  • 2022 – Nigerian national honour Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON): The highest national honor in Nigeria, reaffirming her status as a profoundly impactful figure in her home country and globally.

Personal life: Beyond the Diplomatic Facade

Even figures of global stature have personal lives, though they are often glimpsed only in fleeting moments. Amina Mohammed is a mother, a detail that often grounds even the most soaring careers. Her daughter, Nadine Ibrahim, has carved out her own distinct path as a respected film director, suggesting a lineage of creative and impactful pursuits. Mohammed is also a Muslim, a facet of her identity that informs her worldview and, as demonstrated by her public statements, underscores her commitment to principles of justice and equality, even when challenging restrictive interpretations within certain contexts.

The Amina Mohammed Skills Acquisition Centre: A Legacy in Action

In a tangible testament to her profound contributions to social, political, and cultural development, particularly within Nigeria, the Amina J. Mohammed Skills Acquisition Centre stands as a beacon of empowerment. Located strategically along the Gombe bye-pass, this center was brought to fruition through a collaborative effort between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative and the Government of Gombe. More than just a building, the center is designed to be an active instrument for economic empowerment, offering a diverse range of life-skills trainings aimed at equipping young people with the tools necessary to thrive in various sectors of life. It serves as a living embodiment of the development principles Mohammed has championed throughout her career, transforming abstract goals into concrete opportunities for the next generation.

Bibliography

  • Kabir, Hajara Muhammad,. Northern women development . [Nigeria]. ISBN 978-978-906-469-4 .
  • OCLC 890820657.