Tunis: Tunisia is making a historic bid for the Secretary-General position of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for the 2026-2029 term, presenting Habib Ammar as its candidate for the first time. Ammar will compete against nominees from Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Mexico, and the UAE, each bringing their unique expertise and vision to the race. According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, Habib Ammar's candidacy is founded on a comprehensive 7-point programme under the slogan "Together We Make Tourism an Engine of Prosperity for All." His career, which began in Tunisia's public sector, includes significant roles such as Minister of Tourism during the challenging COVID-19 crisis in 2020 and Acting Minister of Cultural Affairs. His earlier efforts in 2011 and 2015 were focused on enhancing Tunisia's tourism sector during difficult times. In an exclusive video interview with TAP news agency, Ammar highlighted Tunisia's globally recognized expertise in tourism, stating, "Tunisia is internationally recognised for tourism and has the required competence. Such nominations are positive, especially as Tunisia has long supported other nations' candidacies." His platform emphasizes fair and inclusive decision-making, sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, and bridging the digital divide while accelerating sector digitization. Ammar's vision for the UNWTO includes strategies to strengthen education and training for future tourism professionals and develop crisis-resilient tourism strategies. He also aims to promote transparent, rigorous management of the organization and encourage diversity and equal opportunities to empower women, youth, and marginalized groups. Ammar underscored Tunisia's decades of tourism development, stating, "This sector was built by Tunisians post-independence. Our human resource training is excellent and globally acknowledged." He also cited Tunisia's rich cultural, historical, and civilizational heritage, along with its open and peaceful society, as significant assets. He stressed t he need for a fresh vision for the UNWTO aligned with UN principles, adding, "It's time for Africa to lead the Secretariat." The 35-member Executive Council is set to convene in late May 2025 to shortlist candidates, with the final vote scheduled for November 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.