Yao YDO

It is with great sadness that UNESCO-IBE announces the passing of Mr. Yao Ydo, Director of UNESCO-IBE, after a short illness. 

A passionate advocate for the right to education, his personal story highlights the power of learning and its ability to transform lives. He maintained that his right to education and opportunity in life was ensured by one woman: his mother, for whom he always spoke with the utmost respect.  Mr. Ydo devoted his life to education, serving in UNESCO’s education sector across Africa for many years, including Mali, Cameroon, Senegal, and Cote d’Ivoire, and as Head of Office and UNESCO Representative for West Africa in Nigeria before coming to UNESCO-IBE in Geneva.  

Throughout Mr. Ydo’s leadership of UNESCO-IBE from 2021-2023, he exhibited unwavering commitment and determination to uphold the highest standards of education, guiding the institute to increased impact and excellence in all of its work in curriculum, particularly across West Africa.  

Mr. Ydo leaves behind a wife and three children. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.