Valerie Amos, Baroness Amos, Guyanese-English politician and diplomat, Secretary of State for International Development

Valerie Ann Amos, known formally as Baroness Amos, is a distinguished British Labour Party politician and diplomat whose extensive career has left an indelible mark across government, international relations, and academia. Born on March 13, 1954, her journey is notably characterized by a series of groundbreaking "firsts," each underscoring her pioneering spirit and profound impact.

Her political career took a significant turn in 1997 when she was created a life peer, earning her a seat in the House of Lords. She quickly ascended through the ranks, eventually serving as the influential Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council from 2003 to 2007. A truly pivotal moment arrived on May 12, 2003, when, following the resignation of Clare Short, Baroness Amos was appointed Secretary of State for International Development. This historic appointment made her the first Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) woman ever to serve as a Cabinet minister in the United Kingdom, a monumental achievement that broke significant barriers and paved the way for future generations. She concluded her Cabinet tenure when Gordon Brown assumed the role of Prime Minister.

Beyond her domestic political contributions, Baroness Amos has an impressive record in international diplomacy. Prior to her major United Nations role, she served as the British High Commissioner to Australia, representing the UK on the global stage. Her diplomatic prowess was further recognized in July 2010 when then United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced her appointment as the eighth UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. She embraced this critical global responsibility on September 1, 2010, dedicating herself to coordinating international humanitarian efforts until May 29, 2015, tackling some of the world's most pressing crises.

Baroness Amos continued her trailblazing path in the academic sphere. Since September 2020, she has held the prestigious position of Master of University College, Oxford, succeeding Sir Ivor Crewe. This appointment was doubly significant, making her not only the first female but also the first-ever black head of an Oxford college, another powerful testament to her leadership and vision. Furthermore, in September 2015, she was appointed Director of SOAS, University of London, where she again shattered ceilings by becoming the first black woman to lead a university school in the United Kingdom. Her career trajectory firmly establishes her as a preeminent figure in British public life, global diplomacy, and higher education.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baroness Valerie Amos

Who is Baroness Valerie Amos?
Baroness Valerie Ann Amos is a highly distinguished British Labour Party politician, diplomat, and academic leader. She is recognized for her pioneering roles as the first BAME woman in a UK Cabinet, the eighth UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, and the first black female head of an Oxford college.
What are Valerie Amos's most significant achievements?
Her key achievements include being the first Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) woman to serve as a Cabinet minister (Secretary of State for International Development) in the UK, becoming the first female and first black Master of University College, Oxford, and being the first black woman to lead a university school in the United Kingdom (SOAS, University of London).
What high-profile positions has Valerie Amos held?
Baroness Amos has held numerous prominent positions, including Leader of the House of Lords, Lord President of the Council, British High Commissioner to Australia, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, and Master of University College, Oxford.
When was Valerie Amos the UN Under-Secretary-General?
She served as the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator from September 1, 2010, to May 29, 2015.