Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

15 June 2022

 

His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Maldives,

His Excellency Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization,

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to today’s discussion.

As a Maldivian, I am deeply aware of the importance of tourism, of its contributions to national and local economies, to jobs and livelihoods, to innovation and growth.

I am also aware of the diversity within the tourism sector, both in terms of its contributions as well as its needs.

What works in one area, may not work in another.

What thrives and shines in one community, or on one island, may be very different from what works in another.

There is no one-size fits all for tourism; we all have to lean into our individual strengths and tackle our own unique impediments or challenges.

This is the essence of community-based tourism.

I commend the organizers for shining a light on this importance, oft-overlooked issue.

My friends,

Well-managed and sustainable tourism has far-reaching benefits.

It contributes to the achievement of sustainable development; provides livelihoods and a source of empowerment for local communities, including women and youth; and serves as a vehicle for cultural exchanges, tolerance, and stable societies.

But well-managed sustainable tourism must be community-driven.

Each year, local communities worldwide enable millions of tourists to enjoy a diversified and context-specific tourism product, which includes unique experiences specific to their region and culture.

The contribution of local communities to the success of tourism is evident right here in the Maldives, where the tourism strategy recognizes the intricate link between local communities, the natural environment and economic prosperity.

As we work to build back our tourism sector following the devastation wrought by COVID-19, we would be wise to empower local communities.

As President of the UN General Assembly, I was proud to convene the first-ever high-level discussion in the General Assembly on tourism, together with my friend Zurab, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization, and other partner agencies.

Our goal: to advocate for a resilient, sustainable rebound of the tourism sector that strengthens rather than erodes our natural environment.

My friends, the rebound of the tourism sector is a unique opportunity to maximize tourism’s contribution to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change. Achieving this, however, entails enhancing community participation and inclusivity in tourism policy and decision-making processes.

Indeed, for tourism to be sustainable, it must be leveraged for the benefit of local communities, and local communities must be a part of the design of tourism models. It must promote growth and sustainability of micro-businesses and local creative industries through digitalization and financing.

We heard this at the debate in New York, where delegations spoke of their experience with initiatives such as homestays and supporting cultural or heritage tourism.

My friends,

Today’s meeting is an opportunity for all tourism actors to commit to strengthening community-based tourism for the benefit of local communities, and to learn from the experience of others in the region.

As the world reflects on the gaps and weaknesses that were exposed during the pandemic, we are at an inflection point – a moment where we can pivot away from dangerous disregard for our planet and lean into greener, bluer, more sustainable practices.

Let us seize this moment to build tourism-based development models that are people-cantered – ones in which people choose to stay in their communities and be empowered through jobs and business opportunities that also preserve the natural environment, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

Let us strive to bring people, planet and prosperity in harmony through tourism.

I thank you.