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UN SECRETARY GENERAL: THE JOURNEY TO A BETTER FUTURE

As the UNWTO is working hard towards restarting tourism, United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has sent a message to the world underlining the industry’s global importance. The message highlights the sector’s unique role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and in protecting the most vulnerable members of our societies.

Following is a full transcript of his message:

“As the world faces the devastating consequences of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the tourism sector is among those being affected most severely. Travel is down, fear is up, and the future is uncertain. Tourism is an essential pillar of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The livelihoods of many depend on it… especially women, and particularly in the world’s most vulnerable countries, including small island developing states and least developed countries.

Moreover, in many parts of the world, the protection of biodiversity relies heavily on the tourism sector, from conservation to the revenue generated by those efforts.

Tourism can be a platform for overcoming the pandemic. By bringing people together, tourism can promote solidarity and trust – crucial ingredients in advancing the global cooperation that is so urgently needed at this time.

Then United Nations World Tourism Organisation is strongly committed to this work. I encourage all those involved in the tourism sector to explore how we can recover better, including through climate action and other steps that advance sustainability and build resilience. On our journey towards a better future, we must uphold our pledge to leave no-one behind.”

LINK TO VIDEO:


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SECRETARY-GENERAL’S VISIT TO THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO – Copyright 2019 MONUSCO Photos

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