It is with deep sadness and a great sense of gratitude that we bid farewell to Federico Mayor Zaragoza, honorary member of UN Etxea, who dedicated his life to the service of humanity. His legacy transcends generations and borders, marking a path of commitment, wisdom and hope.

Federico Mayor Zaragoza excelled as a biochemist, a field in which he demonstrated an extraordinary academic and research capacity. His commitment to science and education led him to become Rector of the University of Granada, where he promoted knowledge as a tool for human and social development. Later, in his role as Minister of Education and Science in Spain, he worked tirelessly to improve access to and quality of education, understanding that this is the basis of any just and equitable society.

If there is one thing that defined Federico Mayor Zaragoza, it was his commitment to the culture of peace. Founder of the Foundation for a Culture of Peace, he dedicated his life to promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. He was a strong advocate of multilateralism and international cooperation, always reminding us that ‘it is time for action, time for responsibility’. His vision of a world where justice, equality and solidarity prevail remains a guide for us all.

We have much to be grateful for his great contributions to humanism and global multilateralism in the Basque Country. It was in 1997, when he was director general of UNESCO and Jose Antonio Ardanza (also an Honorary Member of UN Etxea and who died this year) was Lehendakari (president) of the Basque Government, that they signed the first Memorandum of Understanding between a UN agency, UNESCO, and a sub-state government. An agreement that facilitated a rapprochement between the Basque Country and the UN, setting up, among others, the UN scholarship programme.

At UN Etxea, we were honoured to have Federico Mayor Zaragoza as an honorary member, in recognition of his career and the values we share. He has accompanied us at every stage of the organisation, recognising our efforts to promote the culture of peace, human rights and sustainable development. He has always guided and supported us.

We know we are part of his global legacy and so, today, we pay tribute to a great man who dedicated his life to building a better world.

Rest in peace, dear Federico. Your voice will continue to resonate in every step we take towards a more humane and sustainable future.

With gratitude and admiration,

UN Etxea