It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Federico Mayor Zaragoza, yesterday, 19 December 2024. Federico Mayor, an esteemed figure whose life was marked by unwavering dedication to the causes of peace, education, science, sustainability and human dignity, has undoubtedly planted many good seeds in this world that we trust will continue to germinate and flourish. Mayor, Earth Charter Commissioner, former director general of UNESCO and president of Fundación Cultura de Paz, was passionate about contributing to the building of a more just, sustainable and peaceful world and brought that passion to the many roles he played during his life as a Spanish scientist, scholar, politician, diplomat and poet. He often said: “It is time for action!”
As Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Mayor was instrumental in fostering Education for All as well as global dialogue and promoting initiatives that elevated understanding on the importance to invest in education and culture of peace. During his period, as UNESCO Director General (1987 to 1999), the UNESCO Chairs Programme was created with a unique vision of making bridges and network with and among actors in various fields who could significantly contribute to the work of UNESCO. In 1997, he joined the Earth Charter Commission and significantly contributed and supported not only to the drafting process of the Earth Charter till the year 2000, but also in its after marks of the launch he continuously and consistently engaged with the Earth Charter movement. The last, and historical meeting of the Earth Charter Commission took place at the UNESCO Headquarters (in March 2000) thanks to him.
Before he left UNESCO, he played a significant role in having the UN General Assembly proclaim in 1998, the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World for the years 2001 to 2010.
He leaves behind a world enriched by his vision, and by the seeds he planted throughout his lifetime. As we remember Federico Mayor, we honor his enduring commitment to the values that define us as a global community. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to guide future generations toward a world of equality, peace, and sustainability.
In a message he wrote to youth in November 2017 he said:
“The time has come to get involved, to change course and ship…
The great challenge and the supreme duty of each generation is to assure future generations a dignified life and the full exercise of humans’ special skills: to think, to imagine, to anticipate, to create!
… Do not tolerate any outbreak of supremacism. This is the greatest source of confrontations, the biggest responsibility for victims throughout history, a history that cannot be repeated. All human beings are equal in dignity; this is the principle of justice and peace.” Click here to read the full text.
In a chapter he wrote for the Earth Charter In Action book in 2005, he highlighted
“It is time for action. We can no longer delay making decisions, especially since, in the eighties, ideologies and ideals were substituted – in a historical abdication of political responsibilities – by “market” laws. And, in order to rectify, in order to correct current tendencies, it is vital to have the protagonist appear on the scene, the object of all the efforts made for humanity’s progress and the betterment of the quality of life for all inhabitants of the Earth, without exclusion…the twenty-first century will be the century of the people, of the emancipation of the citizens, of the voice of the people, of the change from imperceptible and anonymous subjects to interlocutors and actors, of new governance.” Find it here.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. May his memory continue to inspire and may the ideals he championed continue to flourish.
Rest in peace, Federico Mayor, our sincere gratitude to all you have done.
Here are two videos of Federico Mayor speaking about the Earth Charter and Education:
Reflections on the Purpose of Education? (in 2019)
Reflections on the 20 years of the launch of the Earth Charter (in 2020)
