COMITÉ INTERNACIONAL GALO PLAZA INC.
PROMOVIENDO LA HISTORIA DE LOS LATINOAMERICANOS EN NUEVA YORK
A Brief Biography of Galo Plaza
A native New Yorker, Galo Plaza Lasso (1906–1987) emerged as one of the twentieth century’s most forward‑thinking statesmen. He devoted his career to the service of international organizations, championing peace, inclusion, cooperation, fraternity among nations, freedom of the press, democracy, and the universal values of human rights.
In 1958, Mr. Plaza presided over the meetings of the Special Committee of the Economic Commission for Latin America (CEPAL), laying the groundwork for the Latin American common market. That same year, he directed the successful mission of United Nations observers dispatched to Lebanon. In 1960, he chaired the committee entrusted by the United Nations with overseeing the evacuation of Belgian military bases in the Congo.
Between May 1964 and the end of 1965, Plaza served as the personal representative of the Secretary‑General of the United Nations and as mediator in Cyprus—a mission that proved remarkably successful despite formidable challenges. In recognition of his efforts, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965.
On February 13, 1968, Plaza was elected Secretary‑General of the Organization of American States (OAS). During his tenure, he reorganized the Secretariat to enhance its efficiency and provided the OAS with the dynamic and decisive leadership it had long lacked.
In June 2018, Ximena Hidalgo’s efforts received official recognition from the Comptroller of New York City, acknowledging her contributions to preserving Latin American culture and history, celebrating the achievements of prominent Latino leaders past and present, and safeguarding the city’s rich and diverse cultural fabric.
On February 17, 2006, the centennial of Galo Plaza Lasso was commemorated at his birthplace, the historic Marlton Hotel, located at 5 West 8th Street in Manhattan, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. This commemoration was an initiative of historian Ximena Hidalgo Ayala, whose vision established a tradition of honoring Plaza’s legacy and permanently promoting his values.
Since that inaugural celebration, an annual commemoration, along with several cultural and educational initiatives, has been held organized by Ms. Hidalgo, to pay tribute to Mr. Plaza, recognized as one of the most respected international leaders born in New York City.
In honoring the values and convictions exemplified by Galo Plaza, in 2006, historian Ximena Hidalgo Ayala undertook and led a historic research initiative devoted to researching, documenting, and promoting the contributions of outstanding Latin Americans to the history of New York City. This endeavor included the effort to recover and restore the name of Galo Plaza at his birthplace, a mission I conceived and directed from its inception.
As part of this work, Ximena Hidalgo Ayala established a Committee in which she serves as Executive Director. While outstanding individuals have been named honorary members, the responsibility and leadership of the Committee rest entirely with her.
Ximena Hidalgo Ayala has remained vigilant to ensure that Galo Plaza’s name is never appropriated for political or partisan purposes, nor used by groups for interests other than those of respect and historical recognition. The foremost objective has been to promote knowledge of who Galo Plaza was and what he accomplished—so that Ecuadorians, Latin Americans, and people of all nationalities may learn of his legacy, which transcends time.
Since 2013, Ximena Hidalgo sought to elevate the role of Latin American women in the fields of arts, culture, and education by presenting the Gabriela Mistral, Julia de Burgos, and Frida Kahlo Awards, which honor their enduring legacies and inspire new generations. In 2023, following my research, I officially added the name of the prodigy Venezuelan‑American pianist Teresa Carreño to this prestigious award.
To honor this recognition, Ximena Hidalgo organized in December of 2023 a commemorative ceremony at the historic residence on 96th Street and West End Avenue in Manhattan, the place where Teresa Carreño lived until she passed away.
From 2013 to 2023, the Galo Plaza International Committee presented the Gabriela Mistral, Julia de Burgos, Frida Kahlo, and Teresa Carreño Award to more than fifty distinguished women from across all Latin American countries, recognizing their contributions to culture, education, public service, and the advancement of democratic values.