 |
Irina BokovaBulgarian political and public figure, diplomat
Date of Birth: 12.07.1952
Country:  Bulgaria |
Content:
- Irene Georgieva Bokova: Early Life and Education
- Bokova earned a degree in international relations from MGIMO in 1976.
- Political and Diplomatic Engagements
- European Integration and Public Advocacy
- Director-General of UNESCO
Irene Georgieva Bokova: Early Life and Education
Irene Georgieva Bokova, a prominent Bulgarian politician and diplomat, was born into a family involved in Bulgarian politics. Her father, Georgi Bokov, was a high-ranking member of the Bulgarian Communist Party, serving as editor-in-chief of the party's official newspaper and secretary of the Central Committee. Her brother, Filip Bokov, also a graduate of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), is a notable political figure in post-communist Bulgaria and currently serves as Bulgaria's Ambassador to Slovenia.
Bokova earned a degree in international relations from MGIMO in 1976.
Diplomatic Career in BulgariaBokova's diplomatic career began in 1977 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bulgaria (PRB). She held various positions in the central apparatus, focusing on cooperation with the United Nations. From 1982 to 1984, she worked at the PRB's Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
In 1990, Bokova was elected to the Grand National Assembly. She continued her work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria until 1992, when she was forced to leave due to the election of a non-communist government.
Political and Diplomatic Engagements
From 1992 to 1994, Bokova participated in a NATO program for Central and Eastern Europe, specializing in minority protection. In 1995, she became Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Government Secretary for European Integration in the socialist government led by Zhan Videnov.
Bokova ran for Vice President in the 1996 presidential election alongside Ivan Marazov, the socialist candidate. However, they lost to the Union of Democratic Forces candidates, Petar Stoyanov and Todor Kavaldzhiev, in the second round.
In 1996, Bokova briefly served as First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs before being appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria from November 1996 to February 1997. Her tenure coincided with the Socialist Party's financial crisis and subsequent resignation.
European Integration and Public Advocacy
After stepping down as Minister, Bokova actively engaged in public life, founding the European Political Forum to promote Bulgaria's European integration. In 2001, she was elected to the Bulgarian National Assembly, serving as secretary of the parliamentary group led by the Socialist coalition.
In 2005, following the Socialist Party's return to power, Bokova was appointed as Bulgaria's Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.
Director-General of UNESCO
On September 22, 2009, after several failed ballots, the Executive Board of UNESCO recommended Bokova for the post of Director-General. Her candidacy was approved by the General Conference of UNESCO on October 15, 2009. Bokova served as Director-General from 2009 to 2017.
