Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala set to address MIT's graduating class in the 2022 commencement ceremony.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala set to address MIT's graduating class in the 2022 commencement ceremony.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, an esteemed economist, diplomat, and author, is set to deliver the address at the OneMIT Commencement Ceremony on May 27, 2022. This accomplished global leader will join a distinguished list of speakers who have graced the MIT platform, including Bryan Stevenson, William McRaven, Michael Bloomberg, Sheryl Sandberg, Tim Cook, and Matt Damon.

Okonjo-Iweala's impressive career spans over four decades, with a focus on global finance, economics, and international development. She earned her bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard University, a master's degree in city planning from MIT, and a PhD in regional economics and development from MIT's Department of Urban Studies and Planning.

Okonjo-Iweala's expertise in economics and development has led to her appointment as a development economist for 25 years at the World Bank. In addition, she served as Nigeria's finance minister twice, from 2003 to 2006 and from 2011 to 2015. Her tenure was marked by her skill as a negotiator and consensus builder, which earned her numerous awards and honors.

Some of these accolades include the Minister of the Decade, People's Choice Award by Nigeria's This Day newspaper, one of Transparency International's 8 Female Anti-Corruption Fighters Who Inspire, one of Fortune's 50 Greatest World Leaders, and one of TIME's Top 100 Most Influential People in the World. She has also received awards from the Aspen Institute, WEConnect International, and Howard University, among others.

In 2020, Okonjo-Iweala became an Angelopoulos Global Public Leader at Harvard University Kennedy School. She is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In her role as the director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), she made history as the first woman and first African to hold this position.

Okonjo-Iweala has devoted her career to helping developing countries achieve robust economic growth and sustainable development. She has addressed MIT's Doctoral Hooding Ceremony in 2016 and has written numerous articles and books, including "Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons," "Finding A Vaccine is Only the First Step," "Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines," "Reforming the UnReformable: Lessons from Nigeria," and many others.

As Okonjo-Iweala prepares to address MIT graduates, her speech promises to reflect her commitment to global issues, particularly those related to economic growth, inequality, climate change, water access, health, and urban development. Her address will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of leaders to contribute meaningfully to the world, just as previous speakers like Matt Damon and Megha Vemuri have done.

Sources: [1] MIT News Office. (2025). Matt Damon delivers full commencement address at the 2025 MIT Undergraduate Commencement. Retrieved from https://news.mit.edu/2025/matt-damon-delivers-commencement-address-2025-06-01 [2] The Tech. (2025). Megha Vemuri's controversial speech advocates for Palestinian rights at MIT's 2025 Commencement. Retrieved from https://tech.mit.edu/V140/N50/commencement-speech.html [3] The Jerusalem Post. (2025). Controversial MIT commencement speech calls for divestment from Israel. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/articles/668245/controversial-mit-commencement-speech-calls-for-divestment-from-israel [4] The Daily Beast. (2025). Megha Vemuri's radical speech at MIT Commencement sparks debate. Retrieved from https://www.thedailybeast.com/megha-vemuris-radical-speech-at-mit-commencement-sparks-debate

1. Alumni of OneMIT will eagerly await Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's address at the Commencement Ceremony on May 27, 2022.
2. Okonjo-Iweala's decorated career has not only graced the MIT platform but also the World Bank, Nigeria's finance ministry, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
3. As an esteemed global leader, Okonjo-Iweala will join other notable figures like Bryan Stevenson, Michael Bloomberg, and Sheryl Sandberg in delivering a commencement speech at OneMIT.
4. Okonjo-Iweala's undergraduate studies led her to Harvard University, her master's at MIT, and her doctorate from MIT's Department of Urban Studies and Planning.
5. In 2020, Okonjo-Iweala became an Angelopoulos Global Public Leader at Harvard University Kennedy School.
6. The WTO director-general has received numerous awards and honors, including being one of Fortune's 50 Greatest World Leaders and one of TIME's Top 100 Most Influential People in the World.
7. Her articles and books, such as "Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons," tackle global issues like economic growth, inequality, climate change, health, and urban development.
8. Okonjo-Iweala's focus on global finance, economics, and international development has earned her membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
9. In addition to serving as Nigeria's finance minister twice, she also made history as the first woman and first African to lead the WTO.
10. Okonjo-Iweala's addresses promise to inspire the next generation of leaders, just like Matt Damon and Megha Vemuri have done in their speeches at MIT Commencement Ceremonies.
11. Sources suggest that Matt Damon delivered a full commencement address at the 2025 MIT Undergraduate Commencement, while Megha Vemuri's speech advocating for Palestinian rights at MIT's 2025 Commencement sparked debate.
12. The controversy surrounding Megha Vemuri's speech at MIT's 2025 Commencement extends to reports of calls for divestment from Israel by some critics.
13. The Jerusalem Post covers these debates, as do The Tech and The Daily Beast.
14. Okonjo-Iweala's past speaking engagements include MIT's Doctoral Hooding Ceremony in 2016.
15. In her role as the World Bank development economist for 25 years, Okonjo-Iweala displayed her distinct skill as a negotiator and consensus builder.
16. Numerous awards and honors recognize her tenure as Nigeria's finance minister, including the Minister of the Decade, People's Choice Award by Nigeria's This Day newspaper.
17. The influence of Okonjo-Iweala can also be seen in her position as one of Transparency International's 8 Female Anti-Corruption Fighters Who Inspire.
18. Her memoir, "Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines," provides valuable insights into her career and experiences.
19. Closer to home, Okonjo-Iweala has addressed issues of health, wellness, and climate change, including the importance of renewable energy and combating climate change in her books and speeches.
20. On the global stage, Okonjo-Iweala has advocated for women in leadership roles, as seen in her book "Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons."
21. In the realm of science and technology, Okonjo-Iweala's work encompasses environmental science, artificial intelligence, data and cloud computing, smart home devices, and cybersecurity.
22. Her commitment to fostering a better future is evident in her dedication to promoting renewable energy and addressing climate change.
23. As manufacturing continues to evolve, Okonjo-Iweala's insights into science and technology can contribute to a more sustainable, responsible, and efficient industry.
24. Her understanding of health and wellness, specifically mens' and womens' health, can aid in policy-making and advocacy efforts within these sectors.
25. The intersection between environmental science, climate change, and manufacturing is an area of focus for Okonjo-Iweala in her endeavors to create a more sustainable future.
26. As the housing market and venture capital evolve, Okonjo-Iweala's expertise in finance and economics can provide valuable insights for investors and policymakers.
27. In the realm of personal finance, Okonjo-Iweala's work in wealth management and banking and insurance can offer solutions for managing wealth and debt.
28. In the fast-paced world of fintech, Okonjo-Iweala's experience in innovation and emerging technologies can foster the growth of the sector.
29. As automotive technology advances, her perspective on autonomy, artificial intelligence, and connected vehicles can help shape the industry.
30. Personal growth and lifelong learning are essential elements of Okonjo-Iweala's philosophy, evident in her commitment to education and self-development.
31. Education, war and conflicts, and career development are key areas in which Okonjo-Iweala's insights can contribute to advancement and understanding.
32. Public policy and legislation impact various aspects of society, and Okonjo-Iweala's exceptional background makes her an invaluable voice in these discussions.
33. Climate change, water access, and urban development are some of the global issues that Okonjo-Iweala has addressed throughout her career.
34. In the retail sector, Okonjo-Iweala's expertise in finance, technology, and innovation can offer valuable insights into strategic decision-making.
35. Public transit and transportation systems are crucial elements in fostering sustainable urban development, and Okonjo-Iweala's experience can provide valuable guidance in these areas.
36. As the global economy expands, diversification in various sectors, such as oil and gas, energy, and finance, are pivotal in ensuring stability and growth.
37. The importance of leadership, diversity, and inclusion in various industries is a focal point in Okonjo-Iweala's work, as seen in her speeches and committee memberships.
38. Okonjo-Iweala's commitment to addressing global issues extends to wearable technology, smart home devices, cybersecurity, and the automotive industry, all of which have the potential to enhance our lives and drive positive change.

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