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-Editorial
In a significant move for Mexico’s diplomatic landscape, Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez was officially ratified as Secretary of Foreign Affairs by the Senate of the Republic. Senators endorsed the proposal presented by President Claudia Sheinbaum, approving de la Fuente to lead Mexico’s foreign policy in her administration.
During the Senate debate, de la Fuente’s distinguished career in academia, public service, and diplomacy was lauded, particularly his comprehensive work plan aimed at strengthening Mexico’s global relations. After the vote, de la Fuente took the oath of office and received his certificate of appointment from the president of the Senate’s board of directors, Gerardo Fernández Noroña.
Born on September 5, 1951, in Mexico City, Juan Ramón de la Fuente has had a prolific career spanning various fields. A trained psychiatrist, academic, and politician, he took on the role of Secretary of Foreign Affairs in 2024 under Sheinbaum’s administration. He previously served as Secretary of Health under President Ernesto Zedillo (1994–1999) and held the prestigious position of rector of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) from 1999 to 2007. Currently, he is a professor emeritus of Psychiatry at UNAM and chairs the board of the Aspen Institute Mexico. His international experience includes serving as Mexico’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from February 2019 until September 2023.
De la Fuente’s educational background is rooted in his 1976 graduation from the Medical School of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, followed by specialized training in Psychiatry at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. On his return to Mexico, he founded the Clinical Research Unit at the Mexican Institute of Psychiatry and joined UNAM’s Faculty of Medicine, where he became Dean in 1991. His leadership roles extended beyond academia when he was elected President of the Mexican Academy of Sciences in 1995 and appointed Secretary of Health by President Zedillo.
De la Fuente’s contributions to higher education are remarkable, particularly his tenure as rector of UNAM, where he was reappointed for a second term in 2003. His international influence grew when he was elected President of the International Association of Universities at UNESCO in 2008, and he was invited by then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to join the Council of the United Nations University in Tokyo. De la Fuente also serves on various influential boards, including that of *El Universal*, a leading newspaper in Mexico City.
A respected scholar, de la Fuente has authored over 200 scientific papers and 14 books. His numerous accolades include the National Prize for Arts and Sciences (Mexico), awarded by President Vicente Fox, the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Mayo Clinic, and the Presidential Award for Excellence from the University of Texas, among others. He has also been granted honorary degrees from institutions such as Arizona State University.
As one of Mexico’s most revered intellectuals and public figures, Juan Ramón de la Fuente’s ratification as Secretary of Foreign Affairs marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s diplomatic strategy. His extensive background, leadership, and vision promise to shape Mexico’s foreign relations during a critical time on the global stage.
