Damilola Ogunbiyi named to the 2026 TIME Earth Awards list
Sustainable energy and development trailblazer receives yet another prestigious award
London, United Kingdom – 19 March 2026: TIME has named Damilola Ogunbiyi, the CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, on its 2026 TIME Earth list recognizing six global leaders at the forefront of climate action.
Now in its fourth year, the Earth Awards are TIME’s apex award that honors individuals whose actions have had an indelible impact on global efforts to address climate change.
Damilola was recognized for her efforts to advance a clean energy transition and decarbonize energy systems across the world, thus reducing emissions.
Damilola, commented: ‘I accept this recognition with immense gratitude, and also with humility, because this moment is not just about me. It belongs to the extraordinary colleagues and partners I am privileged to work with every day. This award is also a tribute to the remarkable team at Sustainable Energy for All and the wider United Nations family. Every day, they work tirelessly to promote climate-smart solutions across the world, often in some of the most complex and challenging environments.’
This TIME Earth recognition adds to the many other awards Damilola has received in the last four years – a reflection of the transformative work she continues to do flight for a just and inclusive clean energy transition that leaves no one behind.
With Damilola at the helm, Sustainable Energy for All has forged relationships with over 200 partners, supported over 100 countries globally, and secured commitments of more than USD 1.6 trillion in energy finance.
Some of her notable awards include the 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders as one of the 50 global leaders working to combat the climate crisis. In September 2024, she was recognized in the 2024 TIME100 Climate list as one of the 20 titans in climate. In the same month, she received the First Class Order of Zayed II from the UAE President in recognition of her contribution to the success of the climate conference, COP28; and the Global Female Leadership Impact (GFLI) Award.
Notes to Editors:
Link to the 2026 TIME Earth Awardees
You can access the full list here: http://time.com/collection/earth-awards/2026/
Media Contacts
Sherry Kennedy, Director of Communications: Sherry.Kennedy@SEforALL.org; Media@SEforALL.org | +43 676 486 2425
Robert Magori, Senior Communications Specialist: Robert.Magori@seforall.org;
+43 676 846 727240
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. Learn more about Damilola at https://www.seforall.org/who-we-are/damilola-ogunbiyi
About Sustainable Energy for All
Sustainable Energy for All has a global mandate to accelerate progress on the energy transition in emerging and developing countries. Hosted by UNOPS, we work at the intersection of energy, climate and development, partnering with governments and organizations worldwide to end energy poverty, double energy efficiency, significantly expand renewable energy and combat climat change. Learn more about our work at www.SEforALL.org
