Determined to uphold its mandate of increasing the number, influence and impact of women in political and leadership positions across the world, the Women Political Leaders has appointed former Vice President of the World Bank, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, as the Chair of its board.
Globally reputed as an advocate for democracy, transparency and good governance, Ezekwesili is co-founder, Transparency International; founder and President, Human Capital Africa; founder and chair, School of Politics Policy and Governance; Senior Economic Advisor, The Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative.
The WPL, which includes Heads of State, Heads of Government, ministers, parliamentarians, local and regional politicians, is the first network established by thousands of women political leaders from over 130 countries. The WPL network works together, shares ideas, and supports each other to change the world.
On the appointment, Ezekwesili said, “It is an honour to serve as Chair of the WPL Board. The WPL understands that women are powerful agents of change, and that the far-reaching benefits of diversity and gender parity in leadership and decision-making is important. The organisation is paving the way for women to become leaders in their communities, societies and nations.”
Ezekwesili has been recognised as one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and by the New York Times as one of the 25 Women of Impact, 2015. Albert Einstein’s Foundation named her one of the 100 visionaries featured in the 3D book, ‘Genius:100 Visions of the Future’.
She has received numerous awards and serves on the boards of various local and international organisations. In 2018, the Peace Research Institute, Oslo, listed her as a potential candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. She is a Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, a national merit award by the Nigerian government.
In January 2023, Ezekwesili was appointed as one of three distinguished African experts to serve as ambassadors for the ‘Grain from Ukraine’ Initiative, for their expertise and dedication towards addressing food insecurity.
With the latest post, she replaces Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand ( 1999-2008), who had been Chair Emeritus of the WPL Board since December 2022.
The WPL sincerely thanked Clark for her invaluable contributions and unwavering support to not only furthering the core mission of WPL, but also in the wider context of furthering equality between women and men.
It expressed its determination to continue relying on her expert guidance and insights to further achieve its mission of getting more women into political leadership.
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