Maria Antonieta Alcalde Castro began her four-year term as Director General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) on Sunday, March 1, 2026, stating the organization possesses “a lot of strength” despite facing numerous challenges. The appointment follows the conclusion of Alvaro Bermejo’s second and final term, according to IPPF officials.
Speaking to The Lancet prior to assuming the role, Alcalde Castro outlined her priorities for the global reproductive health organization. She affirmed IPPF’s commitment to serving as a “trusted partner and provider of high quality sexual and reproductive health [SRH] services,” with a particular focus on reaching underserved populations. She also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong voice for “bodily autonomy, gender justice and human rights as a whole,” and sharing power within the organization and with its partners.
Alcalde Castro brings over three decades of experience in the sexual and reproductive rights sector to the position. Prior to joining IPPF, she served as the Executive Director of Ipas Latin America and Caribbean, where she spearheaded advancements in abortion rights throughout the region. She is described as a “visionary feminist leader” and a veteran activist, beginning her career in youth advocacy.
Born and raised in Mexico, Alcalde Castro’s background provides deep connections to Latin America and the Caribbean. Her expertise extends to intergovernmental processes and negotiations within the United Nations system, as well as a demonstrated ability to build movements, influence policy, and forge partnerships. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Gender from La Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO) in Argentina.
The IPPF, according to a statement released by the organization, undertook an extensive global search for a new Director General, anticipating Bermejo’s departure. The organization has not yet publicly detailed specific challenges Alcalde Castro will address in her initial months in office, but her comments to The Lancet suggest a focus on maintaining core services while advocating for expanded rights and access.
