The ceremony was marked by testimonies by several figures, including heads of states, on the commitment of Bokova to the promotion of the UNESCO's values over her two mandates as head of the UN organization.

During the event, attended by important figures as elected director general Audrey Azoulay, videos were screened highlighting Bokova's personal commitment and actions in favour of education, culture, gender equality and fighting extremism and poverty.

Speaking on the occasion, Bokova said that this ceremony shows that UNESCO is a unique place where cultural diversity gets a voice, noting that this body is coming up with ideas that transforms the world.

She also reviewed the results of her 8-year mandates as UNESCO director general, marked by her commitment to peace, protection of cultural heritage in conflict zones, as well as her actions to address challenges as climate change, extremism, and all forms of discrimination and violence notably against women and children.

Bokova recalled the visit that she paid last May to Fez, where she took part in the ceremony of presenting the revamp program for old medersas (schools), chaired by HM King Mohammed VI.

The event was marked by musical shows performed by the "Beijing Soul Inspiring Disabled Art Troupe", "the Orchestra H2O Sounds of Earth" and singer Abderrahim Souiri.

HRH Princess Lalla Meryem took part afterwards in a reception offered by president of the 39th UNESCO General Conference Zohour Alaoui in honour of Bokova.

At her arrival, HRH the princess was greeted mainly by Zohour Alaoui, also Morocco's permanent representative to UNESCO, and Chakib Benmoussa, HM the King's ambassador to France.