Pilar Álvarez-Laso
Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences
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Contact information
1 rue Miollis 75732 Paris France
Tel.: +33 (0)1 45 68 39 23
Fax: +33 (0)1 45 68 57 20
E-mail: p.alvarez(at)unesco.org
Born in 1960, Pilar Álvarez-Laso’s career includes both social sciences and media responsibilities, notably in journalism (print media, television and radio), a senior civil servant, as well as research and teaching activities.
She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the Universidad Iberoamericana (Mexico), a Master of Arts Degree (Hons.) in Foreign Affairs from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma (Mexico) and has PhD work in Contemporary International Migration (Madrid).
In 1985, she started her career as a journalist, and worked to be Editorial Coordinator, Anchor and Reporter at the Instituto Mexicano de Televisión. In this capacity, she reported on national and international political, electoral and peace-making processes, as well as on human rights and scientific issues. In 1994, Ms Álvarez-Laso joined the Instituto Latinoamericano de la Comunicación Educativa (ILCE), an international organization contributing to education enhancement through the use of new technologies. In senior executive positions, she was Director of Programming, Communication and Informatics. Her last position was that of Coordinator for Radio and Television broadcasting for the Mexican Ministry of Education.
She has also acted as Director of Information for the Electoral Federal Institute (IFE) in the first independent citizen-organized elections in Mexico. She was the International Spokesperson for the Promotion of the Absentee Vote in the first electoral campaign where emigrant Mexicans could vote.
Over the course of her career, Ms. Álvarez-Laso launched the first educational television satellite channel in Mexico, promoted initiatives for people with special needs and immigrants, and developed educational programmes on democratic principles and values.
She has acted as Honorary Senior Adviser for the Science Consulting Council at the Presidency of the Republic of Mexico. She is currently a member or associate member of several Associations, Advisory Boards and Boards of Directors.
Ms Álvarez-Laso has been UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences since July 2010.
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