Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, today headed a delegation from the Arab Republic of Egypt participating in the 26th session of the General Assembly of UN Tourism, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the capital, Riyadh, from November 7 to 11 this month, following an invitation extended to the minister by both the Saudi Minister of Tourism and the Secretary-General of the organization.
This session is being held under the slogan "AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future," and this year's session coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of UN Tourism.
The minister took part in the first and second sessions of the organization's General Assembly. During the second session, the election of Shaikha Al Nowais as Secretary-General of the organization for the 2026-2029 term was endorsed, succeeding Zurab Pololikashvili, the former Secretary-General whose term has ended, based on the recommendation of the Executive Council at its 123rd session held in Spain in May 2025.
The Egyptian delegation participating in this session includes Ambassador Ehab Abu Sereea, Egypt's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Ambassador Ehab Badawy, Egypt's Ambassador to Spain; Yomna El-Bahar, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities; Eng. Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority; and Rana Gohar, Adviser to the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Communication and External Relations and General Supervisor of the General Department of International Relations and Agreements at the ministry.
It is worth noting that the General Assembly is the organization's principal gathering, convened to approve the budget and program of work and to discuss issues of vital importance to the tourism sector. It also elects the Secretary-General every 4 years. The General Assembly is composed of Full Members and Associate Members, while Affiliate Members and representatives of other international organizations participate as observers. The General Assembly is the organization's highest decision-making body, meeting to set the global tourism agenda.
UN Tourism is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. Working with 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members and more than 500 Affiliate Members, it seeks to cement tourism's position as a key driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability.
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