Nkeng Arrey ASU, Executive Director

Date of Birth: June 23, 2000

A dynamic and purpose-driven leader, Nkeng Arrey ASU serves as the Executive Director of the Obassi Arrey Common Initiative Group, a youth-led organization at the forefront of the Youth-Led Climate Action for Peace and Inclusion Initiative. Born in 2000, Nkeng’s work is deeply rooted in his home community and a commitment to transforming shared environmental challenges into opportunities for peacebuilding.

Nkeng’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for his work. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Buea, where he demonstrated early leadership by serving as the student body president. Building on this expertise, he is currently a Master’s student in Natural Resource and Environmental Management, further sharpening his understanding of the complex links between environmental health and social well-being.

His professional experience prior to taking over as the Executive Director, Obassi Arrey group reflects a consistent dedication to community service. As an intern with the Southwest Development Authority (SOWEDA), Nkeng worked directly with women in the agricultural and gender sectors to address their needs and boost productivity. He also served as a lead supervisor on a key selective agroforestry project focused on climate change adaptation. His time at the Chamber of Agriculture, Wildlife, and Fisheries further honed his skills in providing specialized training to local men and women in the interior of the Southwest Region, equipping them with practical skills for a more sustainable livelihood.

Under Nkeng’s visionary leadership, the Obassi Arrey Common Initiative Group has distinguished itself by innovatively blending environmental action with social cohesion. Recognizing that universal threats like plastic pollution and climate change can bridge divides, he has led impactful projects that turn dialogue into tangible action. He has organized workshops on climate action and peacebuilding, creating a safe space for inter-ethnic and inter-religious cooperation. A hallmark of his approach is the painting of collaborative murals in government primary schools, where diverse groups of youth work together to create visible, lasting symbols of unity.

Nkeng Arrey ASU is more than an Executive Director; he is a passionate advocate for a generation that sees a clear path to a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future. His work exemplifies how grassroots initiatives, powered by young people, can drive profound change and advance the mission of fostering understanding and cooperation across cultures.