In memoriam - Dr Federico Mayor Zaragoza

Dr Federico Mayor Zaragoza, a former member of the Auroville International Advisory Council, passed away on 19 December.

A scientist and professor (biochemistry / pharmacy), Dr Mayor was Minister of Education during the first period of the current Spanish democracy and presided over UNESCO as Director-General for twelve years. A renowned writer and humanist, he was a fervent defender of gender equality. His deep commitment to human rights led him to be a critical voice against injustice, the power of money and war, defending the truth wherever he went. Till his passing, he presided over the Culture of Peace Foundation, which he founded in 2000.

Dr Mayor was a member of the Auroville International Advisory Council during his term in office at UNESCO, from where he wrote statements in favour of Auroville. He supported the work of Auroville and Auroville International Spain through several videos and with his presence at the General Assembly of Auroville International in Tortosa in 2013.

A short clip made of Dr Federico Mayor Zaragoza’s talk on the occasion of Auroville’s 50th anniversary in 2018 can be seen at .