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2018 Graduation Speaker: Amina J. Mohammed

Posted Dec 13 2017
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Amina J. Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the United Nations
Amina J. Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the United Nations

Amina J. Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the United Nations, will be the featured speaker at SIPA’s graduation ceremonies on May 13, 2018, Dean Merit E. Janow announced today.

“Ms. Mohammed has devoted her career to improving the health and well-being of people across the world and of the planet itself, with a focus on sustainable development, poverty reduction, and the empowerment of the world’s women and girls,” wrote Janow in a message to the SIPA community. “We very much look forward to hearing her thoughts and perspectives on global challenges, leadership, and public service.”

Before taking her current position in February 2017, Mohammed was the minister of environment in her home country of Nigeria, steering the country’s efforts on climate action and environmental protection. She previously served the UN as special adviser to then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, a role in which she was instrumental in shaping the landmark 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs.

As in previous years, the selection was made in consultation with SIPASA, the student government organization.