The Right Honourable Baroness Valerie Amos CH PC has joined IPI’s Board of Directors.

The Baroness is the Master of University College, Oxford. Previously, Baroness Amos was the Director of the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). She served as the eighth Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator of the United Nations. Before her appointment to the UN, she served as British High Commissioner to Australia. Her career has also included serving as the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for International Development, and as Leader of the House of Lords from 2003 until 2007.

A champion of equality and humanitarianism throughout her career, the Baroness has been a Labour Life Peer since 1997, and played a key role in tackling workplace discrimination and enabling international emergency relief efforts.

She has served as both Executive of the Equal Opportunities Commission, and as an adviser to the Mandela Government on leadership and change management issues.

She was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) as part of the 2016 Birthday Honours of Queen Elizabeth II for services to the United Nations and emergency relief.

The Honorable Kevin Rudd, Chair of IPI’s Board Directors, said: “We are thrilled that Baroness Amos has accepted our invitation to join IPI’s Board of Directors. Her profound wisdom and vast humanitarian experience will help guide us as we plan for the future.”

IPI’s Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, oversight, and guidance for the organization on matters concerning governance and financial sustainability, working closely with the President and CEO.