Graça Machel as keynote speaker at World Conference
Graça Machel, renowned international advocate for women’s and children’s rights and third wife of former South African President Nelson Mandela, will present a keynote speech at the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development.
Ms Machel has gained international recognition for her commitment to education worldwide and her leadership in organizations helping children in war-torn countries. In her own country Mozambique she participated in the armed struggle for independence and later became Minister of Education and Culture. She particularly worked for universal education for all Mozambicans.
As President of the Foundation of Community Development, a Mozambican not-for-profit organization she founded in 1994, she facilitates greater community access to knowledge and technology in order to promote sustainable human development. Furthermore, in 1994, the Secretary General of the United Nations appointed Graça Machel as independent expert to carry out an assessment of the impact of armed conflict on children.
Together with Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Kofi Annan, amongst others, she forms also part of "The Elders": a group of world leaders to contribute their wisdom, leadership and integrity to tackle some of the world's toughest problems.
