The Maldives has been elected as Vice President of the 26th Session of the United Nations Tourism General Assembly (UN Tourism), a prestigious global forum currently being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The biennial assembly, which runs from 7 to 11 November, brings together ministers, international organisations, and tourism stakeholders from around the world under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.”
Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim is chairing the Assembly in his new capacity as Vice President, representing the Maldives at a time when the country is strengthening its role in international tourism governance and sustainable development policy.
On the sidelines of the event, Minister Thoriq held bilateral meetings with tourism ministers and senior officials from several countries, exploring opportunities to expand cooperation and build new partnerships in the global tourism sector.
The Maldives also continues to play a key role within the UN Tourism Working Group on Tourism and Climate, serving as Vice Chair of the Inter-Institutional Working Group on Tourism and Climate Action. Through this platform, the Maldives advocates for integrating climate resilience and sustainability into global tourism strategies — a policy area that aligns closely with the nation’s environmental and economic priorities.
Delegates from the Maldives highlighted the country’s ongoing commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and climate-smart tourism, reaffirming its reputation as a leading voice in sustainable travel and island destination management.
The General Assembly serves as UN Tourism’s highest decision-making body, offering member states a platform to discuss future directions for the global tourism industry. The Maldives’ election as Vice President underscores its growing influence in shaping the sector’s sustainability and technology-driven future.
