World Agriculture Forum - Innovating for Sustainable Future

Nardos Bekele-Thomas serves as the CEO of the African Union Development Agency - New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) since May 2022, following her endorsement by AU Heads of State. She previously held the position of UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in South Africa and served as Senior Director in the office of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. Her extensive career includes roles in Kenya, Benin, Uganda, and other countries, providing high-level policy advisory and operational support in socio-economic development and pro-poor growth strategies. She has led initiatives in public-private partnerships, poverty reduction, and youth empowerment, and has authored numerous articles. Bekele-Thomas is recognized for her commitment to sustainable development in Africa and was honored with the AU/DAF “Woman of Excellence” Award in 2015. She holds a Master’s degree in Economic Development, Monetary Economics, and Econometrics from NYU.