Maria Lucia URIBE TORRES
Biographical Data
Children at Ecolint: Campus des Nations Primary
Ms. Maria Lucia Uribe is the Executive Director of Arigatou International office in Geneva since 2013. In her role as Executive Director, she currently heads the strategic implementation and expansion of the Ethics Education for Children Initiative in more than 30 countries, ensuring that values-based education in formal and non-formal settings is integrated in programs to respond to the prevention of violence and the promotion of peace building and interfaith and intercultural learning and collaboration. Ms. Uribe is also in charge of developing and maintaining Arigatou International’s engagement in child rights initiatives with UN agencies and child rights focused NGOs in Geneva. Ms. Uribe is currently convener of the International Consortium on Nurturing Values in Early Childhood for the Prevention of Violence, and of the Working Group on Children and Violence of Child Rights Connect. Previously she served as Coordinator of the Working Group on Education and Fragility for the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE). Ms. Uribe holds a Master in Peace and Conflict Transformation from the University of Basel, Switzerland; a specialization in Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Finances from Externado University in Colombia. Ms. Uribe serves in the Executive Committee of Child Rights Connect; she is a member of the G20 Interfaith Forum Working Group on Education, and from 2017 to 2021 she served in the Steering Group of the International Partnership for Religion and Sustainable Development – PaRD.
What does Ecolint mean to you?
Quality education, happy kids, transformative pedagogy, social transformation
What skills/expertise would you bring to the Governing Board?
- Governance
- Fundraising
- International pedagogy
- Strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion
How would you support the mission of the Foundation if you are elected to the Governing Board? Emphasizing the skills/expertise that were highlighted in the previous question, and other leadership and soft skills you would bring to the Board.
I am deeply committed to the mission of Ecolint to educate students to be global citizens, prepared to contribute to a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. With over 20 years of experience promoting quality education globally, I have worked extensively with ministries of education, UNESCO, and other international organizations to advance transformative education approaches that foster global citizenship, intercultural and interfaith learning, and social cohesion.
If elected to the Governing Board, I would bring my knowledge and expertise in education policy, child rights, and innovative pedagogies that nurture 21st-century competencies, social-emotional learning, and students' holistic well-being. I strongly believe that education should not only equip students with academic knowledge but also empower them with the skills, values, and critical thinking necessary to navigate a complex world, engage meaningfully in society, and contribute to positive change.
In addition, my work on child safeguarding and the prevention of violence against children is directly relevant to ensuring that Ecolint continues to uphold the highest standards of student protection and well-being. I have collaborated with international organizations and child-rights mechanisms to strengthen policies and practices that create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. My expertise in child participation and rights-based approaches would contribute to fostering a school culture where every student feels heard, valued, and protected.
Beyond my education expertise, I bring extensive leadership experience in managing an international NGO, with strong skills in governance, strategic planning, resource mobilization, and human resource management. I understand the complexities of leading an organization with diverse stakeholders, and I am adept at fostering collaboration, ensuring financial sustainability, and navigating institutional growth. Additionally, my advocacy experience with UN and human rights mechanisms in Geneva and with global education policies and networks, can provide a value added to the promotion of Ecolint.
As a parent, I am personally invested in ensuring that Ecolint continues to provide an inclusive, high-quality, and future-oriented education. I would work to support the school in upholding its values of diversity, excellence, and innovation, while strengthening its role as a leader in global education. It would be an honor to contribute my skills, knowledge, and passion to the Governing Board, helping Ecolint continue to shape responsible, compassionate, and engaged global citizens.