Background and Early Career
Mario Lubetkin is a veteran journalist and international diplomat with over 40 years of experience in international communication and sustainable development. He began his career at the Inter Press Service (IPS) news agency in 1979, eventually serving as its Director-General and CEO from 2002 to 2014. During his tenure at IPS, he coordinated high-level projects with the governments of Finland, Italy, Spain, Uruguay, and Brazil, as well as with various United Nations agencies including the UNDP and UNEP.
United Nations Leadership
In 2014, Lubetkin joined the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), where he held several senior leadership positions. He served as the Director of the Corporate Communication Office, Chief of Cabinet to the Director-General, and Deputy Director-General from 2017 to 2025. In 2022, he was appointed as the FAO Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, where he led regional efforts to address food security and rural development challenges.
Diplomatic Role and Policies
On March 1, 2025, Lubetkin was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay by President Yamandú Orsi. His appointment was intended to leverage his extensive international experience and network within the United Nations system to enhance Uruguay's diplomatic standing. As foreign minister, he has focused on strengthening Uruguay's role in regional blocs like MERCOSUR and CELAC, while promoting the country as a strategic gateway for trade between Southeast Asia and Latin America.
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