Bokova is well suited to fulfill the mission of UNESCO, which is dedicated to “respect for shared values and the dignity of each civilization and culture.” Mutual respect is an important part of the UNESCO portfolio.

Her primary rival for the four-year post, Farouk Hosni of Egypt, became a controversial candidate because of his refusal to have cultural exchanges with Israel and his comments about burning Israeli books housed in Egyptian libraries.

“The director general sets the tone and agenda for UNESCO,” B’nai B’rith President Moishe Smith said. “It’s important for the valuable educational and cultural mission of UNESCO to have someone in the top job who is open to cross-cultural understanding, and is interested in fostering and nurturing cross-cultural ties. Ambassador Bokova is a solid choice.”

“We are pleased to welcome Ambassador Bokova to her new role,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “UNESCO has a vast capacity to make positive changes and erase enmity. It is because of its potential to expand horizons that B’nai B’rith looks forward to continuing our work with Ambassador Bokova as she assumes her new role leading UNESCO.”

As an accredited non-governmental organization at UNESCO, B’nai B’rith views UNESCO as a vital wing of the United Nations.