Meet Dr. Amina Jane Mohammed, the Nigerian-British Woman Serving as the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Since 2017

Dr. Amina Jane Mohammed is one of the world’s most influential leaders in sustainable development and international diplomacy. Since February 2017, she has served as the 5th Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, working alongside UN Secretary-General António Guterres. She also serves as the Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), where she leads global efforts to advance sustainable development across the world.

Born to a Nigerian father and a British mother, Dr. Mohammed’s remarkable journey began in Nigeria. She attended Capital School, Kaduna, and Maiduguri Primary School before completing her secondary education at The Buchan School on the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom. In 1989, she furthered her education at Henley Management College, strengthening her leadership and management skills.

Before entering public service, Dr. Mohammed built a successful career in Nigeria’s private sector. From 1981 to 1991, she worked with Archcon Nigeria, where she contributed to the design and development of schools, clinics, and other public infrastructure that improved access to essential services for communities.

Her passion for national development soon led her into public service. She served as Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, where she championed environmental sustainability and climate action. She also advised several Nigerian presidents on poverty reduction, public sector reform, and sustainable development, earning national and international recognition for her visionary leadership.

In 2012, Dr. Mohammed joined the United Nations as Special Adviser to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, playing a pivotal role in shaping one of the most ambitious global development frameworks in history—the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She was widely recognized as one of the principal architects behind the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal blueprint adopted by all UN Member States to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to humanity, Dr. Amina Jane Mohammed has received numerous honorary doctorate degrees and prestigious international awards. Her work continues to inspire millions, especially young Africans, demonstrating that determination, excellence, and a commitment to public service can create lasting global impact.

Today, as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Amina Jane Mohammed remains one of Africa’s most respected voices on sustainable development, climate action, gender equality, peacebuilding, and inclusive economic growth.