The Maldives has been elected as the Vice President of the 26th Session of the United Nations Tourism General Assembly (UN Tourism), which is currently underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The high-level gathering, held every two years, runs from 7 to 11 November and focuses this year on the theme AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.

Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim chaired the Assembly in his newly appointed capacity as Vice President, representing the Maldives on the global stage at a time when the country is deepening its role in international tourism policy and cooperation. Representatives from UN Tourism member states, affiliated members, and a number of international and regional organisations are participating in the session.

In addition to his role in the Assembly, Minister Thoriq engaged in a series of bilateral discussions with tourism ministers and senior officials from several countries, exploring opportunities to strengthen cooperation and enhance partnerships within the industry. The Maldives also continues its work within the UN Tourism Working Group on Tourism and Climate, serving as Vice Chair of the Inter-Institutional Working Group on Tourism and Climate Action, which focuses on integrating sustainability and climate resilience into global tourism strategies.

The delegation highlighted the Maldives’ commitment to international collaboration as tourism shifts towards digital transformation and climate-smart development, reaffirming the nation’s reputation as a leading voice in the global tourism sector.