Mateo was a much loved member of our community who touched many lives. Passionate, intelligent, warm-hearted and with a deeply profound sense of self-reflection, he had a unique understanding of development, fueled by his experience with the Peace Corps and his extensive work with needy communities in Panama.

He believed in, and practiced, development ‘with the people’, and despite his achievements, he was always humble. With his positive attitude and a truly amazing soul, he brought the best out of all of us. We will very much miss his voice in our lives. He might be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

The thoughts of all the Graduate Institute community are with Mateo’s wife, parents and everyone who had a close connection to him.