remembering Federico Mayor Zaragoza: A Champion of Peace and Education
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The world mourns the loss of Federico Mayor Zaragoza, a renowned scientist, former UNESCO Director-General, and tireless advocate for peace and education, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 90. His legacy extends far beyond his impressive resume, encompassing a lifetime dedicated to fostering a culture of peace and empowering future generations. In a final interview just months before his passing, he reflected on the state of the world, expressing both profound disappointment and unwavering hope.
“Eternity is a very big word. But everything is possible. The impossible does not exist. Things that are impossible today may be possible tomorrow. The right of every human being is to be free and responsible,” he stated in that poignant conversation. Yet, he also voiced deep concern: “This is the worst moment in history. The most hopeless.How is it possible? What is at stake is the habitability of the planet. The future of children.” These words, spoken during a winter day in 2023, encapsulate the urgency he felt about the challenges facing humanity.
Even in his final days, organizing his affairs near Madrid, his commitment remained steadfast. He had already transferred much of his extensive archive to the University of Granada, where he served as rector. His typically affable demeanor was replaced by a focused determination, prioritizing what truly mattered. A brief interruption to speak with a UNESCO colleague underscored his dedication: “educating is learning how to be in life,” he remarked.He believed that a culture of peace, his life’s work, was the key to navigating the world’s complexities. He proposed replacing the adage “if you wont peace,prepare for war” with “if you want peace,prepare the word,” highlighting the power of communication and understanding.
“The world is in a culture of war and we must change it for a culture of peace. Culture is what governs the daily decisions of each person,” he emphasized. He understood the power of ideas to effect change, believing that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, hope remains. “At the end of the day, this could also be the best time to make the change,” he said.
Mayor Zaragoza’s life was a testament to his beliefs. A pharmacist by training, he held a scholarship at Oxford, served as Spain’s Minister of Education during the transition to democracy, and introduced the heel prick test for newborns in Spain. His collaborations with Nobel laureate Severo Ochoa, co-founding the Severo Ochoa Center for Molecular Biology, and his leadership at UNESCO further solidified his impact on science and global affairs.A voracious reader and poet, he sought to inspire radical change through the power of words, striving to empower individuals to become “free and responsible.”
His unwavering belief in the possibility of change was evident in his frequent repetition of the phrase: “They did it because they didn’t know it was impossible.” His encounters with Nelson Mandela, whom he visited in prison, further shaped his viewpoint.“Mandela told me that the culture of peace could be achieved when women also made decisions, as they onyl use weapons occasionally,” he recalled. Mayor Zaragoza consistently championed women’s leadership, recognizing their crucial role in building a more peaceful world. his commitment to this cause extended to his support of Nina Sibal’s work at the United Nations in 1999, where she successfully advanced the cause of peace. A poignant dinner celebrating this victory ended with a heartbreaking revelation: a lock of Sibal’s hair fell into the soup, prompting the question, “Why?” Her reply: “I have cancer.” Sibal passed away just 20 days later.
Despite the ongoing threats to peace, Mayor Zaragoza dedicated his final years to promoting it and denouncing the influence of arms manufacturers. His final message echoed his lifelong conviction: “History is full of miracles. In the eighties, mandela in south Africa… Prisoner Mandela came out of prison and…” His words remain a powerful testament to the enduring power of hope and the importance of striving for a more peaceful future.
South African Mayor’s Legacy: A Life Dedicated to Peace
In a nation grappling with a painful past, one man chose a path less traveled: reconciliation. Mayor Zaragoza, a figure of immense respect in South Africa, dedicated his life to building bridges rather of walls, fostering peace where hatred once thrived. His story is a testament to the power of forgiveness and the enduring impact of a life lived in service to others.
Instead of succumbing to the cycle of revenge, Mayor Zaragoza actively worked to dismantle systemic racism. “Instead of taking revenge,he ended racism in South Africa,” a close associate recounted. This commitment to peace resonated deeply, making him a beacon of hope for countless individuals.
his dedication extended beyond the political arena. His wife, Cheles, played a pivotal role in his life, providing unwavering support. In a poignant moment before his passing, he reflected, “I have tried to do well, although sometimes I have not been home much. But she has been there, she is my partner. She… How lucky I have been!” This heartfelt acknowledgment underscores the importance of family and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of a greater good.
Even in the face of death, Mayor Zaragoza’s spirit remained unbroken. “It doesn’t matter how many times you fall, but how many times you get up,” he emphasized. “Life is amazing. Why wouldn’t death be? If someone showed me that God exists or, in contrast, that he does not exist, it would destroy me. The only thing that matters to me is the supreme gift of freedom.” His words serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of cherishing the freedoms we possess.
Mayor Zaragoza’s legacy extends far beyond his tenure as mayor. His unwavering commitment to peace and reconciliation offers a powerful example for leaders and citizens alike, both in South Africa and across the globe. His story serves as a potent reminder that even in the darkest of times, the choice to forgive and build can lead to a brighter future.
By Elena García Quevedo, journalist and writer, author of Did you know (Paidós).
Remembering Federico Mayor Zaragoza: A Legacy of Peace and Education
Federico Mayor Zaragoza, the former UNESCO Director-General renowned for his tireless advocacy for peace and education, passed away at the age of 90. His influence transcended his remarkable resume, inspiring generations with his unwavering belief that peace is possible. In this interview, Dr. Ana Sánchez, a leading scholar on international development and human rights, reflects on his exceptional legacy.
the World Mourns a champion of Peace: Reflecting on Federico Mayor Zaragoza’s Lasting Impact
Senior editor: Dr. Sánchez, Federico Mayor Zaragoza’s passing has been met with heartfelt condolences worldwide. What would you say are the most salient aspects of his legacy?
Dr. Sánchez: Federico Mayor Zaragoza was a true visionary who dedicated his life to fostering dialog, understanding, and, above all, peace. He understood that true progress can only be achieved by empowering individuals thru education and equipping them with the tools to critically engage with the world around them. His work at UNESCO, advocating for lifelong learning and cultural understanding, was truly groundbreaking.
The Culture of Peace: A Lifelong Passion
Senior Editor: Mayor Zaragoza often spoke about the need to shift from a “culture of war” to a “culture of peace”. Could you elaborate on what he meant by this?
Dr. Sánchez: Mayor Zaragoza believed that true and lasting peace cannot be achieved through military solutions alone. He saw the importance of weaving peace into the fabric of our societies, starting at the individual level. He emphasized the power of education, dialogue,and empathy in overcoming prejudice and fostering a sense of shared humanity. UNESCO became a platform for him to champion these ideals on a global scale.
Education as a catalyst for Change
Senior Editor: Mayor Zaragoza was a firm believer in the transformative power of education. How did this belief manifest in his work?
Dr. Sánchez: For Mayor Zaragoza, education was more than just knowledge acquisition. it was about empowering individuals to think critically, to embrace diversity, and to become active agents of change in their communities. He championed literacy programs, promoted intercultural understanding through educational exchanges, and advocated for universal access to quality education as a basic human right.
A Beacon of Hope in Challenging Times
Senior editor: Given the current state of global affairs, with ongoing conflicts and rising tensions, what lessons can we learn from Mayor Zaragoza’s life and work?
Dr. Sánchez: Mayor Zaragoza’s message of hope and the pursuit of peace is perhaps even more relevant today than ever before. Despite the challenges he witnessed throughout his lifetime, he never lost faith in humanity’s capacity for positive change. He reminded us that each individual has a role to play in building a more peaceful and just world, starting with fostering understanding and compassion within our own communities. His unwavering belief in the power of dialogue and the human spirit continues to be an inspiration for us all.
