Vera Songwe is Co-Chair of the UN High-Level Climate Panel and former UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa—the first woman to lead the institution in 60 years. A renowned economist, she has championed economic transformation across Africa. Previously, she served as Regional Director at the International Finance Corporation. Dr. Songwe has been recognized among Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women by Forbesand one of the 100 Most Influential Africans by Jeune Afrique and New African Magazine.