Amadou Mahtar M'Bow -1st African to Head Major Global Institution

Amadou Mahtar M'Bow, a former Director-General of Unesco and the first African to lead an international organisation, is being remembered for his leading role in advocating a New World Information and Communication Order.  Mbow died in Dakar on September 24 at age 103.

As head of the UN agency responsible for promoting education, science, culture and communication and information worldwide, Mbow elevated Unesco's profile during the 13 years he served as DG, beginning in 1974.

A tribute issued by Unesco chronicles a number of long-lasting initiatives during the M'Bow era including the International Programme for the Development of Communication, the World Heritage Convention, the Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in Case of Illicit Appropriation, as well as  the first biosphere reserves -  protected areas recognised by UNESCO to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

"The person whose centenary we are celebrating today is a fighter, a leader who can inspire all generations and in all areas," said Ibrahima Fall, a prominent international civil servant, who spearheaded the international symposium to mark the Professor Mbow's 100th birthday with a year-long series of webinars led by African intellectuals to showcase his life and numerous contributions.