Current UNIDO Goodwill Ambassadors

Marcos PONTES, Brazil

Pontes was the first professional Brazilian astronaut to go into space. Coming from poor living conditions in the suburbs of Sao Paulo, he reached his dreams through basic education and professional skills training, that enabled him to commence subsequent studies in aeronautical technology and engineering.

Marcos Pontes expressed his appreciation for UNIDO to consider him as an advocate for the organization’s cause and accepted the appointment, saying: “Looking from space, earth is a unique and beautiful planet. We have 7 billion people trying to live with some quality on this wonderful blue home. But that will not be possible if we try it selfishly. We need to get together and prepare the new generation to be citizens of one world. UNIDO can help in this challenge, and I am honored to accept the nomination to cooperate as UNIDO Goodwill Ambassador, for a better future on earth”.