The World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WWCD), an impartial body reporting directly to the UNWTO General Assembly, met under a new chair and with a new composition. Following the deliberations, the Committee agreed to issue the following statement:
The World Committee on Tourism Ethics, welcoming the statement by the Secretary-General of the United Nations that “the continuation of the war in Ukraine is morally unacceptable, politically indefensible and militarily absurd”, in the firm conviction that tourism is a vital force for peace and a factor of friendship and mutual understanding among the peoples of the world, urges the Russian Federation to end its invasion of Ukraine, which is endangering millions of lives, threatening its peace and security. Guided by Article 1 of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, the Committee calls for all possible efforts to be made in favour of peace negotiations, in accordance with the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
While the right to tourism is forcibly taken away during conflicts, tourism is always a reminder of the importance of dialogue, peace, tolerance and sustainable development among countries.
The functions of the CMET are to interpret, apply and evaluate the provisions of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, as well as to ensure the promotion of its ethical principles and the monitoring of their practical application by governments and the private sector. (WTO)
