New York, USA – Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (UN SRSG) for Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), has been awarded the prestigious Global Female Leadership Impact Award. This accolade recognises her transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing energy access and sustainability on a global scale.
Ogunbiyi is also Co-Chair of UN-Energy, playing a key role in accelerating progress towards universal energy access and a just, equitable energy transition. Her remarkable achievements in the energy sector have earned her widespread recognition, including the 2023 Energy Institute President’s Award.
Under Ogunbiyi’s visionary leadership, SEforALL has established partnerships with over 200 global organizations, supported more than 90 countries, and mobilized over $1.3 trillion in energy finance commitments. Key initiatives like the Universal Energy Facility, Powering Healthcare, Women and Youth at the Forefront, and Cooling for All have driven impactful change, particularly in the Global South. SEforALL’s innovative energy transition and climate action programs, such as the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI) and Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative (REMI), are shaping the future of clean energy development worldwide.
Before leading SEforALL, Ogunbiyi broke barriers as the first female Managing Director of Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency. During her tenure, she spearheaded the Nigerian Electrification Project, a $550 million program co-funded by the World Bank and African Development Bank, providing energy access to over five million people. She also launched the Energizing Economies Initiative, impacting more than 1.2 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As the first female General Manager of the Lagos State Electricity Board, she successfully implemented over 100 megawatts of decentralized energy projects across schools, hospitals, and government facilities.
Ogunbiyi continues to serve on several high-profile global advisory boards, including the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). She remains a key advocate for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which focuses on ensuring access to reliable, affordable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030.
Her dedication to driving energy access and her significant contributions to the global energy transition make Damilola Ogunbiyi a true trailblazer and a deserving recipient of the Global Female Leadership Impact Award.
Global female leaders and honorees who attended GPWC 2024 including H.E. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda; Dr. Filomena Gonçalves, Minister of Health, Cape Verde; First Ladies such as H.E. Rossana Maria Briceño of Belize, H.E. Leticia Ocampos of Paraguay, Dr. Isaura Nyusi (Mozambique), H.E Arya Devi Ali (Guyana), H.E. Dinisia Dos Reis Embaló, (Guinea-Bissau); Mansa Nettey, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, Ghana; Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority; Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking; Abby Huang, Founder/CEO, Dime Inc.; Ruthe Farmer, Founder, Last Mile Education Fund; Amira Youssef, VP, SocialPost, among other esteemed guests. In oneness, they shared their experiences and visions for a more equitable and inclusive future.
About the Global Power Women (GPW) Yearbook
The Global Power Women (GPW) Yearbook is an exclusive and timeless compilation of highly inspirational success stories, achievements, innovations, and impact generated by the world’s top Power Women. This extraordinary book transcends time, showcasing the remarkable tales of triumph, innovation, and influence woven by the world’s most influential women. It immerses readers in a powerful captivating narrative, illustrating the profound impact of women’s leadership resonating across diverse sectors and global landscapes.
About the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD)
CELD is a global institution dedicated to empowering women and promoting leadership development. It advocates for gender equality and sustainable development, uplifting women leaders worldwide.
About Amazons Watch Magazine (AWM)
AWM is a leading platform celebrating women’s achievements globally. Through inspirational stories, AWM champions gender equality and advocates for the empowerment of women across various sectors.
For more information on GPWY 2024
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