THE FELIX-HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY FOUNDATION

He was renowned for his words of peace and his role as mediator among various parties in conflict. President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, affectionately known as the "old man," was described as a wise man full of sound advice. Construction of the foundation building that bears his name began in 1987 and was completed in 1997, taking ten (10) years in total. The project, costing 35 billion FCFA, was overseen by a French architect. The keys to this architectural gem were handed over to the then Director-General of UNESCO, Mr. Federico Mayor. It is said that President Félix Houphouët-Boigny decided to place the Foundation bearing his name at the disposal of the international community and peace research institutions in general, and of UNESCO in particular, in order to contribute at the international level to the research, safeguarding, maintenance, and promotion of peace in Africa and throughout the world.