Kandeh K. Yumkella – Former United Nations Under Secretary-General was the first Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and CEO of the initiative. He also chaired UN-Energy, the coordination body of United Nations agencies dealing with energy related issues.

As Special Representative & CEO, Dr. Yumkella mobilized action toward a sustainable energy future and accelerated the implementation of the Secretary-General’s initiative. He also engaged with the leadership of relevant stakeholders in government, businesses, academia and civil society at the highest level to advocate for and promote sustainable energy for all.

Previously, he was the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) from 2005 -2013 and a former Minister for Trade, Industry and State Enterprises of Sierra Leone from 1994-1995.

He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois, a M.Sc. Agricultural Economics, Cornell University; and a B.Sc. in General Agriculture, from Njala University College, Sierra Leone.