Statement on the Withdrawal of Candidacy for UNESCO Director-General
With deep gratitude and a sense of responsibility, I announce the withdrawal of my candidacy from the race for Director-General of UNESCO. In close coordination with the Government of Mexico, we concluded that this is a moment to demonstrate unity and solidarity, as UNESCO—and the United Nations system—faces one of its most complex periods since its founding.
Representing Mexico as its candidate has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Engaging with leaders and communities across the world—together with the Mexican Foreign Service and all those who share a vision of an inclusive, innovative, and impactful UNESCO—has been both a privilege and an inspiration. I am grateful to the many countries that extended their support, and to the institutions, colleagues, and friends all around the world who made this journey possible.
Commitment to UNESCO’s Noble Mandate
Over the past five years as Assistant Director-General, I have witnessed UNESCO’s transformative power—from pioneering agreements on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence and neurotechnology, to strengthening science-policy links, protecting culture and education in crisis, advancing culture as a public good, policies to counter racism and discrimination and contributing to the better management of the environment. I trust the organization will continue to overcome polarization and serve as a bridge between nations through its noble mandate.
I extend my best wishes for success to the candidate who will be elected and reaffirm my commitment to continue supporting UNESCO’s mission and to building a stronger, more effective multilateral system.
Acknowledgments
My heartfelt thanks go to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and the distinguished Secretaries:
Alicia Barcena (Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources)
Mario Delgado Carrillo (Secretariat of Public Education)
Rosaura Ruiz Gutiérrez (Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation)
Claudia Curiel (Secretariat of Culture)
Juan Ramón de la Fuente (Secretariat of Foreign Affairs)
To the Mexican Foreign Service and dear Mexican Ambassadors all over the world, to my campaign coordinator, the amazing Ambassador Aureny Aguirre. To the Secretary-General of CONALMEX, Graciela Báez Ricárdez, along with the International Women's Forum (Mexico and France), Silvia Elena Giorguli Saucedo, El Colegio de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Eduardo Robledo, Leonardo Lomeli, Claudia Calvin Venero PhD, Armida Sánchez Arellano, Irma Adriana Gómez Cavazos, Cherem Silvia; and to the many institutions, associations, and friends across countries who made this journey possible.
Above all, I am grateful for the support of my husband Ricardo López, my daughters Paula López Ramos and Julia López Ramos, my brother Carlos Eduardo Ramos Patiño and all of our extended family.
Special thanks to my campaign team, whose skills, dedication, and generosity went above and beyond: Hugues Bernard, Jacqueline Arzoz Padres, Paula Barrutieta, Aura Nájera Aguirre, Eugenio Minvielle, Krytzia Dabdoub, Andrés Gomez, Ximena Carriola y Victoria Rosas.
Finally, I thank the countries that expressed their support, and the many institutions and individuals with whom I have joined forces to foster more inclusive societies, and who have contributed to the success of the Social and Human Sciences Sector at UNESCO and of the OECD - OCDE during my tenure. I am sure they will continue supporting UNESCO’s noble mission.
Sunny Varkey, Shanta Sergio Díaz Granados Guida, Vilas Dhar, Mariana Mazzucato, Daron Acemoglu, Leymah Gbowee, Dennis J. Snower Tawakkol Karman, Kailash Satyarthi, Antonio Zappulla, OMRI, Dennis Snower, Manuel Muñiz, Doyne Farmer, HenryWang, Nile Rodgers, Andrés Velasco, Pascallamy, Ibrahim Mayaki Arancha Gonzalez Laya Ana Novik Jayati Ghosh Daniel Innerarity, Enrique Iglesias, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Euphrasie KOUASSI YAO, Fabrizio Barca, Chaturverdi, Nishimura, Vladimír Šucha, Vanessa Rubio, Gilles Gressani, Laurent Freixe, Mario Nava, Angel Melguizo, Juan Yermo, Secretaría General Iberoamericana (SEGIB), Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, andres Cardo, enrique Paim, Dr. Alessandra Sala, Emilija Stojmenova Duh, Cecilia Celeste Danesi, Creon Butler, Keith Magee, Polina Huard, Nita Farahany.
Gabriela Ramos
