Building a UNESCO for the World: A Journey Rooted in Compassion and Action

Recently, journalist Kumudini Hettiarachchi captured our conversation — and the spirit behind it — with incredible clarity. In her article, she portrays how I aim to position UNESCO as a “top of mind” institution globally for the challenges we face today.

With our wide-ranging mandate — spanning education, science, the environment, culture, information integrity, and the ethics of emerging technologies — and our powerful role in setting global standards and building knowledge, I truly believe we can deliver on #Education4Peace, #Culture4Development, and #Science&AI4Good.

One part of the article that particularly touched me was the reference to my childhood: my days as a young girl in a public primary school in Mexico, helping my teacher support classmates who had fewer opportunities.

Things that came easily to me — thanks to a nurturing home environment — were much harder for others, including classmates who often arrived at school without breakfast. After finishing my assignments, I was often asked to help others with their math or even their calligraphy.

Those moments built a lifelong sense of compassion and justice. How can you not be moved when the child next to you — a classmate, another human being — faces such challenges simply to learn?

I’m forever grateful to my parents, who made the deliberate choice to send me to a public school so I could “know my country,” instead of placing me in a private environment isolated from everyday realities. I also want to thank my wonderful teacher, Thelma Ruth Orozco, for seeing the potential in all her students and inspiring me to give my best.

And finally, I’m grateful to the universe for the many opportunities it has given me to serve others. The journey continues — and so does the work. #VamosConRamosUNESCO