Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

Dr. Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim, born on October seventeenth, nineteen fifty-nine, is a distinguished Mauritian politician and biodiversity scientist. She made history by becoming the sixth president of Mauritius, serving from two thousand fifteen to two thousand eighteen. Her journey to the presidency began in December two thousand fourteen when she was selected as the presidential candidate for the Alliance Lepep.

Upon the resignation of Kailash Purryag on May twenty-ninth, two thousand fifteen, her nomination was met with enthusiasm from both Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth and Leader of the Opposition Paul Berenger. The National Assembly unanimously approved her appointment, marking a significant milestone as she became the first woman to hold the presidential office in Mauritius.

Gurib-Fakim's tenure as president was notable not only for her groundbreaking role but also for her contributions to biodiversity science. She was the third woman to serve as Head of State in Mauritius, following Queen Elizabeth II and Monique Ohsan Bellepeau, who was her first Vice President. In two thousand nineteen, she was a keynote speaker at Cambridge University's conference titled 'Africa Together: Which Way Forward?', showcasing her commitment to addressing critical issues facing the continent.

In March two thousand twenty-six, she took on the role of Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Global Center on Adaptation, further solidifying her influence in global discussions on environmental sustainability and adaptation strategies.