Sudan Boycotts Vote on UAE’s UNWTO Heading Riyadh Meetings
Riyadh –Sudanhorizon
The Sudanese delegation participating in the General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), held in the Saudi capital Riyadh, on Sunday withdrew from the vote session to elect the UAE as Secretary-General for a new term.
The General Assembly approved the UAE’s Sheikha Al-Nuaimi as Secretary-General of the UNWTO for the period 2026–2029, based on the recommendation of the Executive Council, which nominated her during its 123rd session held in Spain last May.
The Sudanese delegation, led by Minister of Culture, Information, and Tourism, Khalid Al-Aisar, walked out of the second session, during which the vote to approve the UAE’s appointment as Secretary-General took place. The minister has delivered Sudan’s address before the General Assembly.
The Sudan News Agency (SUNA) reported that the delegation withdrawal was aimed to “to reaffirm Sudan’s position in rejecting the selection of a UAE national as head of the UNWTO.” In his address, Khaled Al-Aysar stated that the systematic destruction inflicted on the tourism sector, both its infrastructure and superstructure, “was a result of attacks by the Rapid Support Forces militia, supported by regional and foreign powers.”
He pointed out that these countries contributed to financing and fueling the war machine that destroyed the resources of the Sudanese people and their country, which is among the richest in tourist attractions, historical landmarks, ancient civilizations, and nature reserves.
Sudan maintains that it possesses evidence of the UAE’s continued supply of advanced weapons to the Rapid Support Forces and its provision of political cover for them, and has designated the UAE as an aggressor state.
Al-Aysar said that Sudan is using such forums to convey messages to all countries of the world, urging them to stand with Sudan and its people and support its just causes.
He added,“We understand that this assembly is dedicated to the tourism sector, but we take this opportunity to call upon member states and affiliates of the United Nations World Tourism Organization to condemn the positions and practices that contribute to undermining stability and development in member states.”
He called on the international community to take a unified stance against states and entities that support outlawed armed groups, in order to protect human heritage and safeguard the future of peoples.
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