
Michael Duku
Michael is a Canadian of South Sudanese origin, was born and raised in Uganda to parents who migrated from South Sudan. His life and career embody resilience, global experience, and a deep commitment to creating positive change through education, professional excellence, and humanitarian service.
Michael’s academic journey reflects his dedication to lifelong learning and professional development across multiple countries. He completed his early education in Bor, South Sudan and earned a Diploma in Management and Secretarial Studies from Ramses College in Egypt. Michael further pursued a three-year Diploma in Business Administration at Centennial College in Toronto, Canada. He later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in management from Athabasca University in Edmonton, Canada.
With nearly three decades of professional experience, Michael has held leadership roles in finance, administration, and humanitarian programs, leaving a lasting impact across diverse sectors and regions. He began his career with Environmental Awareness for New Canadians in Toronto, where he served as Head of Finance and a member of the Hiring Committee, leading key fundraising initiatives to promote environmental consciousness. He then worked as a COD Credit Manager at Ingram Micro, overseeing credit operations and managing client relationships for a leading computer wholesale company.
Michael’s contributions to international development began in 1999 when he joined the United Nations Development Projects in New York as an Account Examiner, contributing to financial audits and accountability for various initiatives. He went on to serve as a Finance Officer and Budget & Administrative Officer with the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), providing critical financial oversight during East Timor’s transitional period. His expertise further expanded during his tenure as Resident Auditor and Office Administrator with the United Nations Mission in Sudan, where he played a pivotal role in peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. From 2013 to 2023, he continued his distinguished career with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), serving as a strategic leader in audit functions and administrative oversight for one of the organization’s most significant peacekeeping missions.
After retiring from the United Nations on December 31, 2023, Michael remains eager to take on new challenges and continue contributing to humanitarian and development efforts. Now back in Canada, he is proud to serve as a board member of TIDA, where he collaborates with other team members to advance equity, sustainability, and opportunity for communities worldwide.
Michael’s global perspective, multicultural understanding, and results-driven approach define his professional ethos. His unwavering dedication to community empowerment and international development underscores his belief in the transformative power of collective action to create meaningful change.