Irina Bokova, 57, defeated Egyptian Culture Minister Farouk Hosny after a suspenseful and drawn-out race, sealing victory in the fifth round of balloting at the organization's Paris headquarters. Photo by unesco.org
The Director general of UNESCO, Bulgaria's Irina Bokova, stated Tuesday protection of democratic values will be her top priority.
Bokova spoke in an interview for the French TV France 2 during the first day of the UNESCO General Conference that will confirm her appointment.
“I represent the generation of a divided Europe, Europe from the time of the Cold War. In 1989 we already knew change, democracy and freedom were coming, but now, I think, we are more convinced, better attached to certain values,” Bokova said.
The 57-year-old Bulgarian diplomat further pointed out protection of free speech is one of UNESCO's missions.
The UNESCO General Conference will conclude on October 23 and is held at the organization's headquarters in Paris. The delegates are to confirm Bokova's 4-year term appointment on October 15.
On September 22, Bulgaria's candidate for UNESCO Director General, Irina Bokova, was selected for the position after a final vote at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Bokova won the final face off with controversial Egyptian candidate Faruq Hosni in a final round of voting.
In a secret fourth ballot Bokova was reported to have received exactly the same number of votes as Hosni. The vote has been clouded by Hosni making alleged anti-Jewish comments.
There were originally nine applicants for the position. Hosni had been seen as the favorite throughout the campaign as he had been nominated by Egypt, Kuwait, Sudan and Libya.