Africa Nominates Mzembi For United Nations World Tourism Organisation Head

Africa has nominated Dr Walter Mzembi as its candidate to become the new head of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. Should Dr Mzembi get this post, it will be the first time in the organisation's 43-year history that an African would head the organisation.

Speaking during the UN General Assembly in New York, Africa's longest-serving tourism minister said he was humbled and privileged to have been chosen by the Government, the Southern African Development Community and the African Union as the continent's candidate.

"Since the establishment of the UNWTO in 1974, no African has ever become its Secretary General. Almost all the geographical areas of the world have produced a secretary-general, except Africa. In fact in 42 years, three secretaries-general have come from Europe, while one each has come from the Americas and Asia. I am therefore delighted to be representing my region as the continent's united candidate," said Dr Mzembi.

If elected, Dr Mzembi will come on board in 2017, during the "International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development".

Globally, he said his plan would be to align the three tourism-specific Sustainable Development Goals on "decent work and economic growth"; "responsible consumption and production"; and "life below water".

Regionally, he said that he would further embed tourism's intervention in the African Union's Agenda 2063.

A former member of the UNWTO's executive council, and current chairman of the UNWTO's commission for Africa, Dr Mzembi was instrumental in convening the 20th UNWTO General Assembly in 2013.

This global conference, which was hosted jointly by Zimbabwe and Zambia, was described by the current Secretary General, Dr Taleb Rifai, as "the best attended ever" in the history of the organisation.

Dr Rifai, a Jordanian national, retires next year.

Membership of the Madrid-based UNWTO, one of the 17 specialised agencies of the United Nations, covers 157 countries, six territories, and 480 affiliate groups representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations, and local tourism authorities.

The organisation promotes responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism and works to make tourism an effective tool for development.

"The UNWTO is the world's leading international organisation promoting tourism as a driver of economic growth, environmental sustainability and inclusive development. My vision has always been to use tourism to promote peace, security and social harmony and, if I am appointed, I hope to be able to steer tourism development towards climate change adaptation and mitigation, and ultimately reduce poverty among communities," said Dr Mzembi.

Tourism remains one of Africa's most important strategic industries.

BARBADOS: 2017 Will B About Sustainable Tourism

2017 all about sustainable tourism.

That’s because the United Nations (UN) General Assembly has approved the adoption of 2017 as the International Year Of Sustainable Tourism For Development.

The resolution, adopted on December 4, recognised “the importance of international tourism, and particularly of the designation of an international year of sustainable tourism for development;

• in fostering better understanding among peoples everywhere;

• in leading a greater awareness of the rich heritage of various civilisations and in bringing a better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures, thereby contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world”.

“The declaration by the UN of 2017 as the International Year Of Sustainable Tourism For Development is a unique opportunity to advance the contribution of the tourism sector to the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental, while raising awareness of the true dimensions of a sector which is often undervalued,” said UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) secretary general Taleb Rifai.

“As the lead UN agency for this initiative, UNWTO is very much looking forward to proceeding with the organisation and implementation of the international year, in collaboration with governments, relevant organisations of the UN system, other international and regional organisations and all other relevant stakeholders,” he added.

This decision follows the recognition by global leaders of the UN Conference On Sustainable Development that “well designed and well managed tourism” can contribute to the three dimensions of sustainable development, to job creation and to trade.

The decision to adopt 2017 as the International Year Of Sustainable Tourism For Development comes at a particularly important moment as the international community embraces the new Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), approved by the UN General Assembly last September.

Tourism is included as targets under three of the SDGs to “promote sustainabled, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”, “sustainable consumption and production”, and “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”.