International champion of inclusion and equality Gabriela Ramos awarded Honorary Doctorate by UWTSD
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) upon Gabriela Ramos in recognition of her distinguished international leadership and her outstanding contribution to advancing inclusion, equality, human rights and social transformation across the world.
The honorary degree was awarded at the University’s graduation ceremony in Swansea on 15 July, celebrating a career that has placed social justice, ethical leadership and international cooperation at the centre of global policymaking.
Gabriela Ramos is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading voices on inclusive growth and social development. From 2020 to 2025, she served as Assistant Director-General for UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, where she oversaw a broad portfolio of initiatives designed to foster more inclusive, equitable and peaceful societies.
During her tenure, she championed social inclusion and gender equality, promoted youth development and empowerment, advanced anti-racism and anti-discrimination agendas, and brought global attention to the ethical challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. Her work has helped shape international dialogue on some of the most significant issues facing contemporary society.
Gabriela also played a pivotal role in strengthening links between UNESCO, higher education institutions and policymakers worldwide. Her support for the Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination helped create opportunities for collaborative research and knowledge exchange, including projects involving UWTSD academics focused on anti-slavery, intergenerational dialogue and youth leadership.
A particularly significant legacy of her leadership was the revitalisation of UNESCO’s Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Programme, which promotes collaboration between researchers and decision-makers in addressing social inequalities.
Through her vision and determination, the UNESCO MOST-BRIDGES Coalition was established, bringing together expertise from the humanities, social sciences and Indigenous knowledge traditions to address the challenges of climate transition and sustainable development. Today, UWTSD serves as the European Hub for the BRIDGES programme and hosts the coalition’s Deputy Director and Secretariat, reflecting the enduring impact of her support and leadership.
Prior to joining UNESCO, Gabriela held a number of influential positions within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). As Chief of Staff and Sherpa to the G20, G7 and APEC processes, she contributed significantly to international policy development while leading initiatives focused on inclusive growth, wellbeing, gender equality and economic resilience.
In 2019, she launched the Business for Inclusive Growth (B4IG) platform, bringing together major multinational companies committed to reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive economic opportunities. Earlier in her career, she served as Director of the OECD Office in Mexico and Latin America and was a member of the Mexican Foreign Service.
Through her work across international institutions, governments, academia and civil society, Gabriela has consistently advocated for policies that place people, dignity and opportunity at the heart of social and economic development.
The honorary degree was presented by Dr Jeremy Smith.
Presenting the degree, Dr Smith, Dean of Institute of Education and Humanities, said:
“Throughout her career, one can detect at each stage and within each role a common thread, namely, a commitment to make society more inclusive, socially just and sustainable. And crucially, for societies to operate for the betterment of all, rather than just the few.
“Inclusivity is for her both a moral imperative as well as a practical application: because fairer and inclusive societies are not just morally right but also more stable, more receptive to economic growth, better able to draw on the rich talents of all citizens, and thus more likely to have real world impact on people’s lives”.
Accepting the Honorary Doctorate, Gabriela Ramos said:
“It is a profound honour to receive this distinction, particularly from the University of Wales Trinity San David, a university and leadership that I deeply admire for its commitment to social justice and with whom, through the Global Humanity for Peace Institute, and professor Scherto Gill, we have developed an inspiring initiative on collective healing. The University is also a key member of UNESCO’s MOST Bridges initiative that inform climate action through humanities. My deepest gratitude for this partnership.”
Honorary degrees are among the highest distinctions awarded by UWTSD and recognise individuals whose achievements and leadership have made an exceptional contribution to society and the wider world.
By championing inclusion, equality and ethical approaches to global challenges, Gabriela Ramos has helped shape international policy and inspired collective action towards a fairer, more sustainable and more peaceful future.
Further Information
Arwel Lloyd
Principal PR and Communications Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467076