Zuriel Oduwole

Zuriel Oduwole is a globally recognised development advocate, filmmaker, powerful panellist and keynote speaker who is redefining youth leadership on the world stage. At just 22 years old, she has achieved what many only dream of - from addressing global leaders to becoming one of the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize nominees in 2025. Known for her eloquence, vision, and impact, Zuriel is an inspiring speaker whose work in education advocacy and international diplomacy has earned her the title of ‘the world’s most powerful girl’ by former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

Zuriel’s journey began in Los Angeles, where her passion for storytelling and social justice was evident from a young age. At just nine, she created her first documentary on the Ghana Revolution, and by ten, she was featured in Forbes Magazine, the youngest person ever profiled. Her dedication to raising awareness on critical issues such as girls’ education and child marriage propelled her into the global spotlight. She graduated from UCLA at age 19, and moved on to postgraduate studies in global risk and international affairs, further deepening her expertise in geopolitics and international development. Her influence spans across various sectors - from advising 35 Presidents and Prime Ministers to creating globally screened documentaries and hard-hitting films. Notably, her advocacy helped contribute to Mozambique’s 2019 ban on child marriage, following her meeting with President Filipe Nyusi when she was just 15 years old. As the founder of the DUSUSU Foundation, she has helped direct projects for leading brands like Intel, P&G, Hilton, and GAP, blending creativity with activism. Zuriel also sits on the board of advisors for the 4th largest humanitarian organisation in the world, CARE. 

Over the past decade, Zuriel has delivered keynote addresses at global events including COP23, the UNESCO Soft Power Conference, the Global Citizen Festival, the MiSK Global Conference in Saudi Arabia, the Forbes Leading Women's Summit in Johannesburg, and the SXSW Women's Conference in Texas. Her work has been acknowledged with numerous accolades, such as the Ban Ki-Moon Leadership Award, the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, and she is a 2025 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee. 

Zuriel Oduwole is more than a speaker - she’s a changemaker. Her topics, which include girls’ education, youth empowerment, climate resilience, social impact, and peace mediation, resonate across generations and sectors. Her authenticity, insight, and lived experience in each engagement make her an exceptional choice for conferences, corporate events, and educational forums. Zuriel is also a TEDx speaker, delivering 'How Kids Can Make a Global Impact' and 'Raising Your Hands High'. In a world grappling with inequality and climate instability, her voice offers hope and actionable solutions. For organisations seeking a transformative and forward-thinking keynote speaker, Zuriel is a remarkable leader whose impact continues to shape the future.