Paris, 13 August 2025. The celebrations marking the centennial of the birth of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, begin this 13 August. His thought and actions remain deeply relevant to the ideals of independence, social justice, education, and culture championed by UNESCO. The commemorations will continue until 13 August 2026, when the 100th anniversary of his birth will be observed.
Within UNESCO, Fidel Castro’s legacy is both profound and enduring. His address before the Organization’s Executive Board in 1995 stands as a historic milestone, reaffirming Cuba’s conviction that “there can be no development without education, no education without culture, and no culture without independence and dignity.” His speech was a powerful defense of the right of peoples to preserve their identities, access knowledge, and build a more just international order — principles that fully align with UNESCO’s mandate to promote peace through education, science, culture, and communication.
Fidel was also a visionary promoter of South-South cooperation, universal access to knowledge, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage — causes that continue to guide Cuba’s multilateral action within UNESCO today.