The Director-General of the Civil Society Organizations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), Mr. Kunle Yussuf, MON, has been honoured as an Ambassador of Goodwill at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Global Executive Roundtable Side Event 2026 in New York.
The recognition was conferred by the Global Organization for Sustainable Development Goals (GOFSDGs), in partnership with CSCHEI and in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), during the high-level roundtable held at Conference Room 11 of the United Nations Headquarters on September 18, 2026, on the margins of the 81st Session of the UNGA.
The event brought together stakeholders from member states, United Nations agencies, donor institutions, development partners, development finance institutions, global executives and impact investors, with discussions focused on innovative financing for sustainable development and humanitarian interventions.
The organisers said Yussuf’s recognition followed due diligence and an assessment of his track record, integrity and contributions to humanitarian advancement, community development and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The selection also considered leadership in humanitarian principles, inclusive social protection, community-driven development and the capacity to mobilise partnerships and resources for vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations.
The roundtable was designed to strengthen collaboration among governments, United Nations agencies, donor organisations, development partners, private sector institutions and impact investors, while showcasing investment-ready sustainable development projects for potential financing and technical support.
Speaking after the recognition, Yussuf expressed appreciation to the organisers and partner institutions, describing the honour as both a recognition of past efforts and a responsibility to do more in the service of humanity.
“I receive this honour with humility and a deep sense of responsibility. I sincerely appreciate the organisers, partner institutions and everyone whose support has contributed to our work in humanitarian affairs, community advancement and sustainable development.
“This recognition is not only a personal honour; it is a call to do more for vulnerable and underserved communities,” Yussuf said.
He dedicated the recognition to communities, organisations and individuals whose resilience and commitment continue to inspire efforts to improve lives, stressing the importance of ensuring that development initiatives reach people who need them most.
“I remain committed to strengthening partnerships, mobilising support for communities in need and advancing initiatives that promote inclusion, dignity and sustainable development. We must continue to work together to ensure that no community and no vulnerable person is left behind,” he added.
Yussuff further said the recognition would encourage him and his colleagues at CSCHEI to deepen engagement with governments, civil society organisations, development partners, private sector institutions and international bodies in addressing humanitarian and development challenges.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting community-driven interventions, accountability and partnerships capable of translating global development commitments into practical benefits for people at the grassroots.
The roundtable adopted resolutions aimed at operationalising the Global Partnership Network Support System (GPNSS) as a catalytic platform for private sector access to sustainable, blended and concessional financing. The resolutions also provided for structured follow-up, capacity building and impact tracking involving UNITAR, relevant United Nations entities, donor agencies and international non-governmental organisations.
The organisers said the newly recognised ambassadors would serve as focal champions and envoys for resource mobilisation, high-level advocacy and the localisation of humanitarian interventions in line with international standards and humanitarian principles.
They were also encouraged to uphold humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, while promoting accountability to affected populations, sustainability and the principle of Leaving No One Behind.
Other Nigerians honoured during the ceremony were David Luftglass, Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Assets Holdings Corporation, USA, and Dahiru Biu, who were also conferred as Ambassadors of Goodwill, while Dr Judith Ogbara, Chief Executive Officer of Rosem Energy Ltd and Chairperson of AAE Foundation, and Duke Kelvin Iyke Asogwa were honoured as Ambassadors for Humanitarian Affairs.