Damilola Ogunbiyi, the Nigerian CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, has been named among six global leaders on the 2026 TIME Earth list. This prestigious recognition acknowledges individuals making an extraordinary impact on climate action worldwide.
Ogunbiyi's leadership has been instrumental in advancing the clean energy transition and decarbonising energy systems. Her work has significantly reduced emissions and expanded access to reliable, clean power in countries across the Global South. The energy transition, according to Ogunbiyi, is about people and the families and communities whose lives are transformed by reliable, clean power.
Under Ogunbiyi's leadership, Sustainable Energy for All has partnered with over 200 organisations, supported more than 100 countries, and secured commitments exceeding USD 1.6 trillion in energy finance. Her impact is tangible, with countries like Pakistan and Kenya leading the way in clean energy adoption. In Nigeria, one of the world's largest distributed renewable energy programmes is expanding access at scale, unlocking opportunity and improving livelihoods.
Ogunbiyi's groundbreaking work has earned her multiple accolades in recent years, including recognition on the 2024 TIME100 Climate list and the Forbes Sustainability Leaders 2025. The TIME Earth Award cements Ogunbiyi's status as a global leader driving people-centred climate solutions, highlighting the real-world impact of inclusive, scalable, and sustainable energy initiatives.
The TIME Earth Award is a testament to Damilola Ogunbiyi's unwavering commitment to climate action and sustainable energy. As the Nigerian CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, she has made a tangible impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide. Ogunbiyi's leadership has not only reduced emissions but also expanded access to reliable, clean power in countries across the Global South. The Nigerian Electrification Project, a USD 550 million initiative she spearheaded, has provided electricity to over 8 million people and delivered over 100 megawatts of decentralised energy to hospitals, schools, and government facilities. This achievement is a significant step towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
