Bokova Set to Win New Term as UNESCO Chief
ASTANA. October 5. KAZINFORM - Irina Bokova has been nominated by UNESCO's executive board as the agency's director-general - all but ensuring her another four-year term, according to abcnews.
The 61-year-old Bulgarian former career diplomat was selected Friday over Rachad Farah of Djibouti and Lebanon's Joseph Maila. She's set to win a new term at the Paris-based body's general conference on Nov. 12.
Bokova has made a mark by guiding the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization through one of its toughest periods following the loss of $220 million in U.S. funding. Washington suspended its contribution to UNESCO after its general conference voted to accept Palestine as a member state two years ago.
Despite that shortfall, Bokova has balanced UNESCO's books while conducting key initiatives like supporting literacy initiatives for girls in Afghanistan.