Leading UNESCO with inclusiveness, innovation and impact: Gabriela Ramos

UNESCO Social and Human Sciences Assistant Director- General Gabriela Ramos contests for UNESCO Director-General position Offers vision rooted in practicality and wealth of experience via groundbreaking achievements such as global standard on ethics of AI Cites focus on gender imbalances and underutilisation of heritage sites as her goals

- BY JANANI KANDARAMAGE

AT a time when global cooperation and multilateral leadership is ever more necessary, the candidature for the next Director-General of UNESCO has brought forward Gabriela Ramos, a compelling voice from Mexico.

Ramos's candidacy for UNESCO's top position is centred around a highly progressive vision, with a focus on inclusivity, innovation, and impactspecifically cultural preservation and gender equality. According to Ramos, in today's polarised international environment, there remains a pressing concern for a more effective and relevant UNESCO-particularly as tensions rise globally and the space for collaboration shrinks.

Her vision involves robust ethical frameworks in regulating emerging technologies, intercultural dialogue to strengthen inclusivity, and equitable solutions aimed at directly impacting stakeholder needs.

"I am very proud to be the candidate of Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, and even prouder to be the only woman running for the head of UNESCO," said the nominee, reflecting on a career rooted in diplomacy, international cooperation, and human development.

Proven leader with global expertise

The candidate's journey began in Mexico's Foreign Service, which eventually led to prominent roles at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). As the head of the OECD's Latin American office and chair of the G20 at the OECD, her leadership experience spans multiple continents and sectors. For the past five years, she has served as the Assistant Director-General for Social and

Human Sciences at UNESCO, a role in which she has driven immense global progress.

Under her leadership, UNESCO achieved a historic milestone by brokering the world's first global standard on the ethics of artificial intelligence, a framework endorsed by 194 countries. "This tool helps us understand AI governance and ensure it is a force for good," she noted.