Bokova receives Peace Award: It is an honour to be in the company of greats

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova was presented last night in Mostar with the high international award „Mostar Peace Connection 2015“ by the Centre for Peace and Multiethnic Cooperation from Mostar, writes the Patria news agency.

The award was presented to her by the Mayor of Mostar Ljubo Bešlić and former Mayor and Director of the “Centre for Peace“ Safet Oručević at a ceremony beneath the Old Bridge as part of the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the inscription of the Old Bridge and the old city core on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

As stated by the City Administration of Mostar at the ceremony, Safet Oručević, Director of the „Centre for Peace“, as Mayor initiated the project of reconstructing the Old Bridge and its inscription on the UNESCO list, while Ljubo Bešlić completed that process.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova stated that Mostar holds a special place in UNESCO as a powerful reminder of the values we share, and that it is a strong symbol of what can be achieved when people are united.

- Mostar is close to me, and at the same time it has deep significance for this country, Europe, and the entire world. This city embodies the possibility for Muslims, Catholics, Jews, and Orthodox Christians to live together in peace - Bokova said.

She gave her unreserved support to the authorities and communities in BiH that are determined to turn their diversity into a source of strength and a force for peace.

- I especially thank the Centre for Peace. I am deeply moved because I am the recipient of this prestigious Mostar award. It is a great honour to receive this award and to be in the company of greats such as Nelson Mandela, Vaclav Havel, Alojz Mock, and Mohamed ElBaradei. I accept this honour on behalf of UNESCO as an appeal to continue working in favour of the values we share, as a call to action for all of us to stand up in defence of culture and human dignity - Bokova said.