Citation for Mr. K.Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary of the ECA
delivered by Andreas Eshete, President of the Addis Ababa University

K.Y. Amoako

Since 1995 you have served as Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa and Under-Secretary General of the United Nations. Before that you served as a senior official of the World Bank, including Director of Education and Social Policy as well as Division Chief for Country Operations for six East African countries.

As Executive Secretary you worked tirelessly to safeguard Africa’s political independence and economic progress in the face of the challenges of globalization. Yours is a leadership of vision that wrought significant changes in and out of the organization. You have brought African women to positions of prominence in international civil service. You fostered synergy among diverse continental organizations. You extended invaluable support to NEPAD and the African Union. Above all, you enhanced the international stature of your organization, and nurtured a united African voice to speak with clarity and force in global fora on development.

You represent the best of the second generation of African leaders: those committed to get rid of poverty with professional proficiency and high managerial skill. You offer a sterling example that the coming generation would do well to emulate.

Upon the recommendation of the Senate, and by the authority vested in me by the Board, I have the honor to confer upon you the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa.