The Maldives has been elected vice-president of the 26th session of the United Nations Tourism General Assembly, a biennial convening of global tourism stakeholders held this year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The session, which runs from 7 to 11 November, is organised under the theme ‘AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future’.
Presiding over the plenary meeting on 9 November, Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim assumed his official duties, signalling the nation’s expanding role in shaping international tourism policy.
The Maldives’ participation extended beyond procedural leadership. During the session, the country formally joined the UN Tourism Working Group on Tourism and Climate, a technical body tasked with advancing sustainable tourism development while addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change.
Its appointment as vice-chair of the Inter-Institutional Working Group on Tourism and Climate Action further underscored the Maldives’ commitment to environmental stewardship and its growing influence in climate-responsive tourism discourse.
The assembly convened a broad spectrum of participants, including representatives of UN member states, affiliate members, and regional and international organisations. The diversity of attendance reflected the sector’s global reach and the imperative of coordinated action.
In parallel with the formal proceedings, Minister Thoriq held a series of diplomatic consultations aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and fostering collaboration within the tourism sector. These engagements included meetings with tourism ministers from various countries and delegates representing international organisations.