The Director-General highlighted the close ties between UNESCO and the Republic of Ecuador over seventy years, since its membership in 1947.  She commended President Lenin Moreno’s leadership in strengthening political transparency and access to information as well as the fight against corruption. In this context, she emphasized the importance of this initiative for unity and social cohesion -- “this should inspire not only Ecuador but also the rest of the world.”

The Director-General thanked the President for his active commitment in UNESCO’s work on the empowerment of persons with disabilities to access information and knowledge using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). She highlighted the President’s dedication and achievements regarding promotion of the rights of people with disability, underscoring UNESCO’s readiness to support the government of Ecuador on these issues.

The Director-General congratulated Ecuador for hosting the Third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) in October 2016, during which UNESCO’s Global Report on Culture for Sustainable Urban Development was launched.

The Director-General also met with the President of the Judiciary Council, Mr Gustavo Jalkh. She congratulated him on the progress made in conflict mediation and in the promotion of peace and non-violence, as well as the "Semilleros de Convivencia" (The Seeds of Coexistence) project for the promotion of values of solidarity, respect and tolerance in schools. The modernization and reform of the Ecuadorian judicial system has become a model on this basis, for the region and the world.

While in Quito, the Director-General was declared “Illustrious Guest” by the Deputy Mayor of the city, Mr Eduardo del Pozo, by the Mayor of the Municipality of Quito, Mr Mauricio Rodas Espinel.

The Director-General visited the Historic Centre of Quito, the Convento de San Francisco, the Museum of Carmen Alto, the City Museum, the Convento de San Agustin, the Alabado House Museum and the Museum Capilla del Hombre as well as the House of Oswaldo Guayasamin. She was accompanied by Verenice Guayasamin, President of the Guayasamin Foundation and Pablo Guayasamin, Member of the Board of the Foundation.