On 5th September, the British Arab Network hosted a reception at the Royal Automobile Club, for Her Excellency Ms. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO and candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations. Ms. Bokova spoke about a ‘New Humanism for the 21st Century’. Leading parliamentarians, diplomats and civil society leaders were in attendance and the event was a great success.

Speakers on the evening, Dr. Wafik Moustafa, Chairman of the British Arab Network, H.E. Emil Constantinescu, former President of Romania, H.E. Ms. Diane E. Watson, former United States Ambassador to Micronesia & Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Baroness Emma Nicholson of Winterbourne, UK Prime Minister’s Envoy to Iraq, Azerbaijan and Turmenistan, praised Ms. Bokova’s outstanding work at UNESCO and agreed she was an excellent candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Commenting on the event, Dr. Moustafa said:

“I was delighted and honoured to host this reception for the inspirational Ms. Irina Bokova, who has done sterling work as Director-General of UNESCO and is an excellent candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations. It was a pleasure to see so many prominent parliamentarians, diplomats and civil society leaders at the event. It was also wonderful to be joined by friends from overseas, including Ms. Diane Watson and President Emil Constantinescu. I absolutely absolutely agree with Ms. Bokova that a new humanism is needed for the 21st century.”

Guests in attendance included:

Dr. Wafik Moustafa, Chairman of the British Arab Network

H.E. Dr. Irina Bokova, Director-General UNESCO

H.E. Emil Constantinescu, President of Romania (1996-2000)

H.E. Ms. Diane E. Watson, former United States Ambassador to Micronesia & Member of the U.S. House of Representatives

Baroness Emma Nicholson of Winterbourne, UK Prime Minister’s Envoy to Iraq, Azerbaijan and Turmenistan

Lord David Hannay of Chiswick, former British Diplomat

H.E. Mr. Konstantin Dimitrov, Ambassador of Bulgaria

H.E. Mr. Tadel Rupel, Ambassador of Slovenia

H.E. Mr. Dimitris Caramitsos-Tziras, Ambassador of Greece

H.E. Mr. Amar Abba, Ambassador of Algeria

Mr. Khondker M Talha  Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh

H.E. Mr. Girish Nunkoo, High Commisioner of Mauritius