Damilola Ogunbiyi Makes History as First Nigerian on TIME Earth Awards List
In a landmark achievement for Nigeria, Damilola Ogunbiyi, the Chief Executive Officer and Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, has been named to the 2026 TIME Earth Awards list. This recognition marks her as the first Nigerian to receive this prestigious global honor, which celebrates leaders driving impactful climate action worldwide.
Global Recognition for Climate Leadership
The TIME Earth Awards, now in their fourth year, represent the publication's highest accolade for individuals whose efforts have made a significant and lasting impact on addressing climate change. Ogunbiyi was selected among six global leaders for her pioneering work in advancing clean energy transitions and decarbonizing energy systems across the globe, directly contributing to reduced emissions.
"The energy transition is about people and the families and communities whose lives are transformed by reliable, clean power," Ogunbiyi commented. "Across the Global South, countries are leading the way – from Pakistan’s solar capacity reaching 33 GW to Kenya generating over 90 percent of its electricity from clean energy. In Nigeria, one of the world’s largest distributed renewable energy programmes is expanding access at scale, unlocking opportunity and improving livelihoods. This recognition is a reminder of what’s possible when we put people at the centre of the energy transition."
A Trailblazing Career in Sustainable Energy
This latest honor adds to Ogunbiyi's growing list of accolades over the past four years, reflecting her transformative work in her dual UN roles. Since assuming leadership in January 2020, she has guided Sustainable Energy for All to establish partnerships with over 200 organizations, support more than 100 countries globally, and secure commitments exceeding $1.6 trillion in energy finance.
Prior to her current positions, Ogunbiyi served as the head of Nigeria's Rural Electrification Agency, where she initiated the Nigerian Electrification Project. This $550 million initiative has provided energy access to over eight million Nigerians and implemented more than 100 megawatts of decentralized energy projects, bringing electricity to critical facilities including hospitals, schools, and government buildings.
Previous Honors and Global Impact
Ogunbiyi's climate leadership has been consistently recognized on the international stage:
- In 2025, she was named among Forbes' Sustainability Leaders as one of 50 global figures combating the climate crisis.
- In September 2024, she appeared on the TIME 100 Climate list as one of 20 climate titans.
- That same month, she received the First Class Order of Zayed II from the UAE President for her contributions to COP28's success and the Global Female Leadership Impact Award.
About Sustainable Energy for All
Sustainable Energy for All operates with a global mandate to accelerate energy transitions in emerging and developing nations. Hosted by UNOPS, the organization works at the intersection of energy, climate, and development, partnering with governments and organizations worldwide to end energy poverty, double energy efficiency, expand renewable energy significantly, and combat climate change effectively.
