UNESCO's request funding from U.S.

During the meetings with congressmen Steny Hoyer and Gary Ackerman, the Director General stressed the important work of UNESCO in the world to protect freedom of expression, promote the safety of journalists, improving girls' education and training teachers, among other activities. Bokova put special emphasis in promoting democratic institutions to stabilize countries of particular concern to the United States. "The cessation of funding hampers our ability to carry out programs in Iraq and Afghanistan which are fully consistent with U.S. national interests," said Bokova. Both legislators expressed support for the work of UNESCO: Hoyer called it essential and Ackerman described it as great and deserving of unanimous support. Steny Hoyer is the second most senior congressman among Democrats and Ackerman is the head of the subcommittee for the Middle East and South Asia of the House of Representatives. The Director General also spoke to the diplomatic community, members of the administration of President Obama and other guests at the residence of the Ambassador of UNESCO Goodwill Esther Coopersmith. A domestic law forced the United States to cut its funding to UNESCO after the vote of the General Conference who admitted Palestine as a member of the Organization number 195, on October 1st. The U.S. contribution represents 22% of the annual budget of UNESCO.