Special Message recorded for the Summit Special Edition 2020

Irina Bokova

Director-General (2009-2017)
UNESCO
Paris

Professor Irina Bokova was Director-General of UNESCO from 2009 to 2017, during which time she was actively engaged in the adoption of UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, particularly on inclusive and equitable quality education and life-long learning for all, promoting the critical role of science for development, gender equality, and the protection of the world’s cultural heritage. She was particularly active in the defence of cultural heritage during conflicts in Mali, Syria, and Iraq, and in denouncing the destruction of heritage as a tool of war.

Currently, Irina Bokova is a Member of the Board of “Ban Ki Moon Centre for Global Citizens”; Member of the Board of Governors of the UN University of Peace; Co-Chair of the Commission for Global Scientific Missions for Sustainability, established by the International Science Council; Member of the Strategic Committee of the Paris School of International Affairs at SciencesPo. Her important humanitarian work and her advocacy through cultural diplomacy has been recognised by governments across the world.  

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Joining as a Trustee is Mona Siddiqui, Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies and Assistant Principal for Religion and Society at the University of Edinburgh. She is known internationally as a public intellectual and is a regular commentator in the media.

Dan Mulhall will be joining the board as a Trustee. Dan is a retired Irish diplomat, academic and published author. He is the current Parnell Fellow at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge and is a consultant with the global law firm DLA Piper.

Also joining as a Trustee is Professor Gayle McPherson, Professor of Events and Cultural Policy and Director of the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). She is also a member of the European Cultural Parliament.

Joining us as a Trustee is Stephen Gethins, Professor of International Affairs at the University of St Andrews. Prior to that, Stephen was MP for North East Fife, the SNP International affairs spokesperson and was twice selected to sit on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

Joining in the role of Chair is Shonaig Macpherson CBE, an experienced Chair and non-executive director used to working at the most senior levels of government, private, public and third sectors.

If you're interested in attending Edinburgh International Culture Summit 2022 as media, interviews with contributors and ministers, or photo opportunities, please contact Susie Gray at susie@thecornershoppr.com or 07834 073795.

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