Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Global Compact, is a senior leader working on how businesses align with global standards. She leads efforts that connect companies with goals on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. Interest in Sanda Ojiambo, UN Global Compact, and corporate sustainability UN has grown as more companies focus on ESG and long-term impact.
Sanda Ojiambo comes from Kenya and has worked across development agencies, the private sector, and global organisations. Her current role places her at the centre of discussions on business responsibility and sustainable growth.
Education and Early Background
Sanda Ojiambo studied Economics and International Development at McGill University in Canada. She later completed a Master’s degree in Public Policy at the University of Minnesota in the United States.
Her studies focused on development and policy. These areas shaped her later work in global programs and business engagement.
Early Career in Development
Sanda Ojiambo began her career in 1997 with CARE International in Somalia. She later worked with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Her work covered:
- Education programs
- Health initiatives
- Environmental work
- Governance support
She spent several years in Somalia working on development projects. This experience gave her direct exposure to policy work and field operations.
Regional Work in Africa
After Somalia, she joined the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Africa Regional Office in Nairobi.
Her role included:
- Program design and delivery
- Financial systems and governance
- Advocacy across multiple countries
She worked across about 40 countries in Africa. This role expanded her experience in managing regional programs.
Work at Safaricom
In 2008, Sanda Ojiambo joined Safaricom, a telecom company in Kenya.
She worked on the Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations. Later, she became Head of Sustainable Business and Social Impact.
Her work focused on:
- Corporate responsibility
- Public-private partnerships
- Integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
She also led reporting on business impact. This helped connect company operations with development goals.
Role at the United Nations Global Compact
In 2020, Sanda Ojiambo became Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact. In 2022, she was appointed Assistant Secretary-General.
She leads a global initiative that works with companies to follow ten principles in areas such as:
- Human rights
- Labour
- Environment
- Anti-corruption
The UN Global Compact includes thousands of companies across many countries. It works to align business actions with global goals.
Latest News: Focus on ESG and Business Standards
Recent updates show that Sanda Ojiambo is working on expanding ESG frameworks and corporate accountability.
As more companies adopt ESG reporting, her role includes:
- Building partnerships with businesses
- Expanding participation in UN programs
- Strengthening reporting and compliance
Search interest in Sanda Ojiambo UN Global Compact, ESG United Nations, and corporate sustainability programs has increased.
She also advises UN leadership on how the private sector can support the 2030 Agenda.
Global Responsibilities
As Assistant Secretary-General, Sanda Ojiambo works on:
- Engagement between the UN and private sector
- Policy input on sustainability
- Coordination with global organisations
She helps shape how businesses work with international frameworks.
Board Roles and Other Work
Sanda Ojiambo has served on boards such as:
- Kenya Investment Authority
- Gender Violence Recovery Centre
- Global Development Incubator
- CarePay Limited
She is also linked to education initiatives like Mpesa Foundation Academy.
These roles reflect her work across sectors.
Influence and Work Area
Sanda Ojiambo works at the intersection of business and policy. She focuses on how companies operate within global standards.
Her work has become more relevant as climate, labour, and governance issues gain attention.
Personal Profile
Sanda Ojiambo keeps her personal life private. Her public role focuses on sustainability and global partnerships.
Conclusion
Sanda Ojiambo has worked across development, corporate responsibility, and global policy. She started in field programs and moved into leadership roles.
Today, she leads the UN Global Compact, which connects business with global development goals. Her work focuses on sustainability, partnerships, and responsible business practices.
With growing focus on ESG and global cooperation, Sanda Ojiambo continues to play a role in how companies engage with global standards and policies.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Sanda Ojiambo?
Sanda Ojiambo is a Kenyan United Nations official who serves as Assistant Secretary-General and leads the UN Global Compact.
Q2. What is Sanda Ojiambo’s role at the UN?
She leads corporate sustainability efforts and works with businesses to align with global principles.
Q3. What is the UN Global Compact?
It is a UN initiative that guides companies to follow principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption.
Q4. What is Sanda Ojiambo known for?
She is known for her work in sustainable business, global partnerships, and leadership in the UN Global Compact.






