The ONE Campaign has recently announced the selection of Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli as its new CEO, succeeding Gayle Smith. Starting in April 2024, Nwuneli will take on this role in the international, non-partisan, non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to ending extreme poverty and preventable disease.
With over 25 years of extensive international development experience, particularly in Africa, Nwuneli brings a wealth of knowledge in areas such as agriculture, nutrition, social innovation, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and youth development. ONE acknowledges her expertise in these fields.
Expressing her commitment to the organization, Nwuneli stated that she is dedicated to leading ONE’s team during this crucial time in Africa’s history. She emphasized the need to establish new local and global partnerships, secure innovative financing, and ensure transparency and accountability in resource allocation. Nwuneli recognizes the significance of ONE’s mission and is honored to guide the organization in its next phase of growth and impact.
Nwuneli’s appointment signifies a strategic shift for ONE, aligning with its efforts to address the interconnected challenges of economic crises, climate issues, and conflict that contribute to poverty and health concerns in Africa. As CEO, Nwuneli will prioritize connecting African countries to essential sources of financing for their development and growth.
Tom Freston, the Chair of ONE’s Board, expressed his excitement regarding Nwuneli’s appointment, emphasizing her impressive track record in international development and advocacy. Freston warmly welcomed Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli to The ONE Campaign, describing her as an incredibly accomplished professional and a passionate leader with over 25 years of experience in international development and advocacy. Throughout her life and career, Nwuneli has consistently advocated for the world’s impoverished, bringing immense passion and expertise to her work. Freston believes that her exceptional communication skills, extensive global experience, and strong personal network make her the ideal leader for ONE at this crucial moment. With Nwuneli at the helm, Freston is confident that ONE will lead the way in innovative approaches to address the complex issues surrounding extreme poverty.
Bono, the co-founder of ONE, expressed his delight at Nwuneli’s appointment as the next President and CEO of ONE, considering it a remarkable gift for the organization’s 20th anniversary. Bono believes that an African-led organization focusing on Africa has always been their dream, and Nwuneli is the perfect person to lead ONE into the future. He highlights her versatility, not only in terms of languages but also in her understanding of different geographies and sectors. Nwuneli is described as an entrepreneur, policy expert, activist, and business leader who recognizes the importance of collaboration between governments and businesses to tackle the planet’s most significant challenges. Bono eagerly anticipates the accomplishments that Nwuneli and ONE’s talented policy experts and political strategists will achieve. In a world facing numerous challenges, both metaphorical and literal, Bono believes that their contributions are needed now more than ever.
Congratulations to Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli!
