Obiageli Ezekwesili Joins Global Democratic Leaders Forum as Advisor to Club de Madrid
Abuja, Nigeria – May 19, 2025
Nigeria’s former Minister of Education and renowned public policy expert, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has announced her acceptance of an invitation to serve as an Advisor to the Club de Madrid, the world’s largest forum of democratic former Presidents and Prime Ministers.
Ezekwesili made the announcement via her official handle on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, expressing her commitment to contributing to the group’s mission of strengthening inclusive democratic governance and enhancing global well-being.
“I accepted the invitation to become an Advisor to @ClubdeMadrid – Club de Madrid, the world’s largest forum of democratic former Presidents and Prime Ministers, who leverage their individual and collective leadership experience and global reach to strengthen inclusive democratic practice and improve the well-being of people around the world,” she wrote.
A Voice for Democratic Leadership
In her statement, Ezekwesili emphasized the growing complexity of global challenges and the pressing need for effective leadership. She highlighted how former democratic leaders, through Club de Madrid, are stepping up to address critical global issues that current leadership often struggles to resolve.
“As our global context becomes even more complex, the leadership vacuum delays solutions to ‘global public Bads’,” she noted.
“I therefore deeply appreciate how these former leaders of democracies around the world continue to dedicate themselves to helping solve our global challenges and amplify opportunities for cooperation. Delighted to support.”
Club de Madrid: A Platform for Global Impact
Founded in 2001, Club de Madrid is a non-profit organization composed of over 100 former Presidents and Prime Ministers from more than 70 democratic countries. The group focuses on promoting democratic values, inclusive leadership, and sustainable development by leveraging the collective experience and moral authority of its members.
Ezekwesili’s appointment as an Advisor marks another significant step in her international advocacy journey, reinforcing her status as one of Africa’s most respected voices on governance, transparency, education, and human rights.
A co-founder of Transparency International and a former Vice President for the World Bank’s Africa division, Ezekwesili is known for her role in championing social accountability in Nigeria, especially through her leadership in the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.
Her new role is expected to broaden her impact on the global stage, as she collaborates with former world leaders to address pressing democratic and development challenges.