ActionAid International welcomes new Secretary General

ActionAid International has announced that Arthur Larok, who has been interim Secretary General at ActionAid International for the past year, has been appointed to lead the charity on a permanent basis from April.

Arthur first joined ActionAid in 2012 as Country Director of ActionAid Uganda before becoming Federation Development Director for ActionAid International. A political sociologist with 20 years of experience in the development and social change sector, he has the rooted experience ActionAid seeks and proudly supports. He has been part of global campaigns such as those against poverty and debt cancellation and more recently, has contributed to international efforts to defend and expand space for civil society around the world.

Arthur assumes the position at a time when climate change is expected to drive 122 million more people into poverty by 2030 and exacerbate existing poverty, and inequalities are preventing millions of people from enjoying a life with dignity. Alongside this, dominant economic forces are affecting the lives of the people with whom ActionAid works, resulting in increased deregulation, privatisation of public services, the dismantling of social protection and an undermining of democratic institutions.

Arthur Larok, incoming Secretary General of ActionAid International, said: “Growing up in Northern Uganda, I have experienced first-hand what it means to live amid deprivation and face multiple crises and oppression. I feel privileged that I have advanced in my education and career and I now work for an organisation that cares for millions of others who are less privileged.

“I have a vision of a world where there is equal opportunity and shared prosperity for everyone, particularly for women and young people, and this is what motivated and inspired me to consider this important role.

“I feel excited to be leading the organisation at a time when there is emerging momentum and aspiration around the globe to transform towards a more equitable, socially and environmentally sustainable world. I look forward to building a decolonial, feminist and antiracist organisation that champions the cause of social justice everywhere we have a footprint.” 

Arthur will play a pivotal role in the effective delivery of ActionAid International’s strategy to 2028, Action for Global Justice, and will start the new role officially on the 1st April.

Hellen Grace Akwii, ActionAid International Board Chair, said: “We are thrilled to have Arthur as the new Secretary General of ActionAid International. After a rigorous selection process, we are confident that Arthur is the right person to take ActionAid International forward at a time when the world is facing multiple threats from climate change and conflict.

“Arthur will guide ActionAid in strengthening the participation of the communities we work with and deepen our engagement with social movements that share our values and vision to address global inequalities worldwide.” 

To contact the ActionAid Press Office email media-enquiries@actionaid.org or call +44 7586107955.  

About ActionAid

ActionAid is a global federation that works with more than 15 million people living in over 40 of the world's poorest countries.  We want to see a just and sustainable world, in which everyone enjoys the right to a dignified life and freedom from poverty and oppression. We work for social justice and gender equality and poverty eradication.