After Washington cut funding in retaliation to admission of Palestine as UNESCO member state, Director-General Irina Bokova and UNSG Ban Ki-moon expressed concern for the projected shortfall as well as dismay. Ms Bokova has now indicated that the agency will temporarily halt some activities owing to the $65 million budget shortfall. UNESCO also launched a new online tool to enable donors to help offset the loss. Washington Cuts Funding: “UNESCO is facing a difficult situation. It’s a test for our organization. ”Bokova told the agency’s highest ruling body – UNESCO’s General Conference which only a week or so earlier had admitted Palestine. (Read - “Palestine Membership-US Cuts UNESCO Funding” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/palestine-membership-us-cuts-unesco-funding-by-ambassador-mo/39095 ). Washington – which contributes 22 per cent of UNESCO’s budget – suspended its dues after the agency admitted Palestine as a full member on 31 October. Ms. Bokova had warned that reduced funding will affect the agency’s ability to carry out crucial programs in education, support for emerging democracies and the fight against religious extremism. (Read – US Funding Cut – Palestine Membership UNESCO – Self Inflicted Wound – US?” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/us-funding-cut-palestine-membership-unesco-by-ambassador-mo/39463 ). Budget Cuts & Voluntary Contributions: To cover the funding gap to the end of 2011, the Director-General said UNESCO has already begun a thorough review of all of its planned activities for November and December. “I have temporarily interrupted certain activities to revise their costs.” In addition, the agency announced several measures to try and deal with the budget shortfall, including the new fund that is open to Member States, public institutions, foundations and individuals, all of whom can make their donations online. Gabon immediately announced it would make a $2 million donation. Preserving Core Programs: “This is not simply another extra-budgetary fund. It will be directed to supporting our core activities, so that they are not affected by a difficult financial situation.” She also urged Member States to support an immediate increase in the agency’s Working Capital Fund for 2012-2013 from $30 million to $65 million; appealed to all governments to provide their assessed contributions as early as possible in 2012; and proposed deferring the system by which those Member States that pay their dues on time benefit from a reduction. “These are not decisions of choice. They are decisions of urgency. Unfortunately, I do not believe we have time to wait, or that these are decisions we can postpone.” “Unprecedented Outpouring of Support”: Ms. Bokova also noted that the US decision has stimulated an “unprecedented” outpouring of support for UNESCO from individuals, associations and private corporations worldwide. “I see these expressions of support as clear recognition of the good that UNESCO does in the world. These are very concrete indicators of success,” Bokova offered. FILM REPORT-“UNESCO History & Mission” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/unesco-historymission/26942 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX “Diplomat Artist” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/diplomat-artist