Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow, the first African Director-General of UNESCO, has passed away at the age of 102. Born in Dakar, Senegal, in 1921, M’Bow’s remarkable life spanned more than a century, during which he left an indelible mark on global education, science, and culture. His leadership at UNESCO from 1974 to 1987 was a turning point for the organization, as he fiercely advocated for a more equitable global distribution of cultural and educational resources.
M’Bow’s tenure was not without its challenges. He led UNESCO through a turbulent period marked by the withdrawal of the United States and the United Kingdom, who opposed some of his policies. Despite these setbacks, he remained a tireless advocate for developing nations and their place at the table in international discourse.
His legacy as a defender of equality and cultural diversity continues to inspire, as he leaves behind a lifetime dedicated to global progress.
