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in steering the values of international peace and security,

multicultural respect, human rights and social justice.

As the United Nations specialized agency for the promo-

tion of sustainable and responsible tourism, peace is at

the heart of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

mandate. Article 3 of the organization’s statutes clearly

states that: “The fundamental aim of the Organization shall

be the promotion and development of tourism with a view

to contributing to economic development, international

understanding, peace and prosperity.”

Tourism as a force for peace, human rights and mutual

understanding is a also the fundamental axis of the UNWTO

Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, a set of guidelines for

the development of sustainable and responsible tourism,

approved by the UNWTO General Assembly in 1999 and

endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001.

Article I of the Code states that: “The understanding and

promotion of the ethical values common to humanity,

with an attitude of tolerance and respect for the diversity

of religious, philosophical and moral beliefs, are both the

foundation and the consequence of responsible tourism;

stakeholders in tourism development and tourists them-

selves should observe the social and cultural traditions and

practices of all peoples, including those of minorities and

indigenous peoples and recognize their worth.”

Celebrating diversity is paying tribute to the fundamen-

tal essence of our sector. But as we do so, we must recall

the responsibilities that come with it. It goes without

saying that any successful action to link cultures requires

the cooperation of the public, private and civil sectors

and, of course, of the main actor, the traveller. Only

concerted efforts to uphold diversity and human rights will

truly transform the sector’s potential from an untapped

resource to an effective means of promoting genuine

dialogue and understanding.

UNWTO is thus committed to promote, with the United

Nations system and jointly with other partners, stake-

holders and key role players, the emergence of a culture

of tolerance, peace and mutual understanding and to

develop a solid knowledge base for education and aware-

ness-raising on the linkages between tourism, peace and

sustainable development.

To this end, the organization is currently engaged in five

key initiatives, which are detailed below.

Image: World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

Every tourist can become a global ambassador of peace and come closer to realizing the United Nations shared vision of a better world

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iffer