Irina Bokova: “I intend to reinforce our ties with National Commissions”

• © UNESCO/Ravassard

Mrs Irina Bokova (Bulgaria) was elected as new Director-General of UNESCO by the 35th session of the General Conference. Taking office on 15 November 2009, Mrs Bokova is the first woman at the helm of the Organization. More

In her speech of investiture at the General Conference on 23 October 2009, Mrs Bokova paid particular attention to the added value of National Commissions and explained her vision of this unique network of UNESCO. She said that “UNESCO’s National Commissions, as one of our most faithful allies, also deserve our full support and recognition for their remarkable work. No other United Nations institution has this type of mechanism. It is unique to our Organization and anchors us at the national level. I therefore intend to reinforce our ties with the National Commissions that, I believe, are particularly well placed to ensure that UNESCO’s values and role within the United Nations family, are better understood, visible, taken advantage of, and ultimately supported.”

The Mission Statement of the new Director-General, which was announced on the occasion of her taking office, emphasises again the key role of the National Commissions. It states that “UNESCO has a unique tool for mobilizing public opinion and the intellectual and academic communities in the pursuit of its values and priorities – the National Commissions. With their hundreds, if not thousands of dedicated men and women all over the world, the National Commissions should be strengthened and supported in every possible manner, as they are the true guardians of the spirit and values of the Organization.” More

Speech of investiture of Irina Bokova as Director-General of UNESCO: video
Streaming Windows Media file (wmv)

• Author(s):ERC/RSC/NAC
• Source:UNESCO
• 05-01-2011