Argentinian banker and industrialist Julio Werthein is the visionary and the instrumental driving force behind the creation of MERCOSUR. A successful publisher, he has been a leading advocate of Latin American cultural and educational cooperation. A leading patron of the arts, Mr Werthein has established a foundation for his activities in this field.  

Designated Goodwill Ambassador in 1995, Mr Werthein has worked alongside UNESCO to raise awareness of cultural and artistic values and the necessity for their preservation. A highly active advocate for environmental protection, he has launched an educational campaign for the conservation of water resources, using his public status to enhance the campaign’s impact. Through his prominent position in economic and political life, he spreads UNESCO’s message of peace, intercultural dialogue and environmental protection.