From May 18 through 20 Sofia plays host to the Global forum of women leaders, under the aegis of UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova. Upon opening the event Bokova said that there could be no sustainable development and peace without an equal position of women in society. The forum is attended by ministers, MEPs, representatives of international organizations, heads of research centers and universities, public figures and politicians of world renown, representatives of business, science and mass media.