Time has named trailblazing Nigerian, Damilola Ogunbiyi, chief executive officer and special representative of UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and co-chair of UN-Energy, on its 2026 TIME Earth list recognising six global leaders in the forefront of climate action.
In its fourth year, the Earth Awards are TIME apex award that honours individuals whose actions have had an impact on global efforts to address climate change.
Damilola was recognised for her efforts to advance a clean energy transition and decarbonise energy systems, thus reducing emissions.
She said: ‘‘The energy transition is about people, families and communities whose lives are transformed by reliable, clean power. In the Global South, countries are leading the way – from Pakistan’s solar capacity reaching 33 GW to Kenya generating over 90 per cent of its electricity from clean energy. In Nigeria, one of the world’s largest distributed renewable energy programmes is unlocking opportunities and improving livelihoods. This recognition is a reminder of what’s possible when we put people at the centre of the energy transition.’’
This TIME Earth recognition adds to the many awards Damilola has received in the last four years – a reflection of the transformative work she continues to do in her role as UN special representative to the secretary-general, and chief executive officer of Sustainable Energy for All.
With Damilola at the helm, Sustainable Energy for All has entered into working relationships with over 200 partners, supported over 100 countries globally, and secured commitments of more than U.S $1.6 trillion in energy finance. Previously, Damilola worked as head of Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria (REA) and she initiated Nigerian Electrification Project, a U.S $550 million facility that to date has provided energy access to over eight million people in Nigeria and implemented over 100 megawatts of decentralised energy projects supplying electricity to hospitals, schools, and government facilities.
Some of her notable awards include 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders as one of 50 global leaders working to combat the climate crisis. In September 2024, she was recognised in 2024 TIME100 Climate list as one of the 20 titans in climate. In the same month, she received First Class Order of Zayed II from UAE president in recognition of her contribution to success of COP28; and the Global Female Leadership Impact (GFLI) Award.
About Damilola Ogunbiyi
Damilola Ogunbiyi has been at the helm of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and as the UN Special Representative to the Secretary-General since January 2020. Under her leadership, major strides to enable just, equitable and sustainable energy transitions that ensure better quality of life and opportunities for people living in developing regions have been made. During this period, SEforALL has supported over 100 countries globally, and secured commitments of more than $1.6 trillion in energy finance.
