UNTWO election: PABF urges Africa to back UAE’s Al Nowais bid to be first Female Secretary-General 

In a letter from Dr. Ladislas Prosper Agbesi, the Pan Africa group supports Ms. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais for Secretary-General of UNWTO starting in 2025. They believe she is the best candidate due to her professional and personal achievements.

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais has extensive experience in global tourism and hospitality. This background gives her strong leadership skills to advance tourism initiatives worldwide. She is recognized as a leading figure in UAE's tourism sector, with over 16 years of experience.

Her roles include Chairwoman of the Tourism Working Group at the Abu Dhabi Chamber. She is also a Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and an advisory board member for the UAE Tourism Council. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Trustees at Les Roches Hospitality Academy.

The PABF highlights that Shaikha inspires many in the UAE. They describe her as a world-class executive with deep knowledge of global tourism practices.

Ghana supports Ambassador Muhammad Adam for UNWTO Secretary-General for 2026-2029. However, PABF suggests he should step back and support Al Nowais instead. This collaboration could enhance mutual growth in global tourism.

The letter credits His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for positioning the UAE as a top tourist destination. His leadership has driven strategies like UAE Tourism Strategy 2031 and Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030.

These strategies have significantly boosted visitor numbers and job creation in tourism across the UAE and Abu Dhabi. The PABF notes that these efforts have led to exemplary leaders emerging within the UAE's tourism landscape.

Dr. Agbesi emphasizes that Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais is well-suited for this role at UNWTO in 2025. Throughout her campaign, she aims to promote responsible and sustainable tourism globally.

About Shaikha Al Nowais:
She is a distinguished leader in global tourism with hands-on experience in governance, sustainability, and economic development. As Corporate Vice President at Rotana, she leads teams to form strategic partnerships and champion sustainable initiatives across various regions.

Her leadership extends beyond hospitality into policy advocacy and education through various boards she serves on. A graduate from Zayed University with a degree in Finance, she brings over 16 years of experience to advance global tourism initiatives effectively.