Davos, Switzerland — Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has been appointed Co-Chair of the Future of Development Cooperation Coalition, a high-level global initiative aimed at redefining how countries work together to deliver measurable development outcomes in a rapidly changing world.
Prof. Osinbajo accepted the role on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, where global leaders from government, business, and civil society convene annually to address pressing international challenges. He will serve alongside Arancha González Laya, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain and a respected voice in international development and diplomacy.
Announcing the appointment, Prof. Osinbajo underscored the urgency of moving beyond rhetoric to action-driven partnerships. According to him, the current global climate demands “practical cooperation, measured by outcomes,” as nations confront intertwined challenges ranging from climate change and energy transition to rising debt burdens and human capital deficits.
The Future of Development Cooperation Coalition is expected to focus on real-world solutions to development financing constraints, climate and energy cooperation, debt sustainability, and investments in people—education, skills, and health—areas increasingly recognized as central to long-term economic resilience.
“Our focus is simple and demanding,” Osinbajo said. “We must listen carefully, work collaboratively, and deliver results that improve lives.” He added that the coalition would explore practical ways countries can cooperate in a changed global landscape, where traditional development models are being tested by geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainty, and environmental pressures.
The former Nigerian Vice President also emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue, noting that effective development cooperation can no longer be shaped solely by governments and multilateral institutions. He expressed his intention to engage governments, international institutions, the private sector, and citizens in conversations that are honest, inclusive, and firmly focused on impact.
Osinbajo’s appointment is widely seen as a recognition of his long-standing engagement with development policy, governance reform, and inclusive growth, both in Nigeria and internationally. During his tenure as Vice President, he played a prominent role in economic policy coordination, social investment programmes, and legal and institutional reforms.
Analysts say the coalition’s work could help influence the next phase of global development thinking, particularly for emerging economies and developing countries seeking sustainable financing models and fairer international cooperation frameworks.
As global development challenges grow more complex, Prof. Osinbajo’s new role positions him at the center of efforts to translate global dialogue into tangible progress, reinforcing calls for cooperation that delivers not just promises, but measurable improvements in people’s lives.
