The UNESCO family mourns Federico Mayor, Director-General of UNESCO from 1987 to 1999. A scientist, diplomat and poet, he made the culture of peace his priority, guiding our Organization's action in favour of human rights education and conflict prevention. I send my most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General
Born in Barcelona on 26 January 1934, Federico Mayor Zaragoza began his career as a Professor of biochemistry in the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Granada (1963), becoming its Rector five years later. A specialist in cerebral metabolism and the molecular pathology of the newborn, he continued his career as a biochemist at the Autonomous University of Madrid. He was then appointed National Advisor for Education (1969-1972) and Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (1974-1975).
He joined UNESCO in 1978 as Deputy Director-General, before becoming the Organization's Director-General in 1987. He was re-elected for a second term in 1993. UNESCO is indebted to him for the creation of the 'Culture of Peace' Programme, which has led to numerous actions in favour of human rights education, conflict prevention and the defence of cultural diversity - all of which he has tirelessly promoted.
In an interview with Global Education Magazine in 2013, he said: "The culture of peace and non-violence means that from now on we must move from force to words, we must move from muscle to dialogue, we must move from the perverse proverb "if you want peace prepare for war" to if you want peace, help to build it through your everyday behaviour."
At the head of UNESCO, Federico Mayor was also a devoted defender of scientific cooperation. He was one of the first promoters of SESAME, the Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East, convening the International Conference in 1999 that led to the creation of the committee responsible for implementing this ambitious project.
In 2000, after his return to Spain, Federico Mayor set up the 'Fundación Cultura de Paz' (Foundation for a Culture of Peace) to continue his work promoting dialogue and tolerance. A literary man, he is also the author of seven collections of poetry.
About UNESCO
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.
"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" - UNESCO Constitution, 1945.
