Human Right 2 Water is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Pedi Obani as the new President of the Board, following her official introduction at our 5th Annual General Meeting. We are equally grateful to Mercedes Castro, our outgoing President, for her outstanding service and inspiring leadership over the past year.

Thank You, Mercedes

Mercedes Castro has guided Human Right 2 Water with energy, compassion, and dedication. Her thoughtful leadership and active support of the team—including during major events such as World Water Week in Stockholm—have helped drive forward our mission to advance the human rights to water and sanitation. Mercedes leaves behind a strong foundation and remains a valued supporter of our work. On behalf of the Board, staff, and partners, we extend our heartfelt thanks and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Welcoming Dr. Pedi Obani

We are honored to welcome Dr. Pedi Obani as our new President. A distinguished academic and legal expert, Dr. Obani brings with her a wealth of experience in water governance, climate policy, and inclusive development. She is currently an Associate Professor at the School of Law, University of Bradford, and a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow on gender inclusive climate change governance. She also serves as an Associate Editor for Water International – the official journal of the International Water Resources Association that focuses on sustainable water management policy and governance – and is an Affiliate of the African Academy of Sciences.

Her work spans more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and numerous high-impact, multidisciplinary policy research projects. She is widely recognized both nationally and internationally for her expertise in water resource governance, gender equality, climate law, and sustainability. Dr. Obani’s background in both academia and legal practice—as a Nigerian Bar member—and her current public service as a town councilor reflect her deep commitment to community and systemic change.

In her remarks at the AGM, Dr. Obani emphasized the need to make the human right to water more than just a concept: “We all agree it exists—but we must continue to define what it means in practice for those still without access, and without a voice.” With her guidance, we look forward to continuing our mission with renewed purpose and a strong strategic vision.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Pedi Obani and in celebrating the legacy of leadership that Mercedes Castro leaves behind.