Remembering Amadou-Mahtar M'Bow, the Unesco boss who fought for the dispossessed

M'Bow was a self-made leader who guided Unesco towards a more inclusive multilateralism and supported the entry of newly independent nations into the organization.

Critics argue that M'Bow's management style was authoritarian, leading to significant controversy and even the withdrawal of the US and UK from Unesco in the 1980s.

Audrey Azoulay honored M'Bow as a profound humanist who steadfastly advocated for solidarity and dignity among diverse cultures and peoples during his leadership.

Under M'Bow's stewardship, Unesco expanded its membership significantly, welcoming 27 new nations in a crucial period of post-colonial African and Asian independence.

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