The Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino, was elected to lead the Executive Council of UN Tourism. He is the first Brazilian to occupy a high representative position in the United Nations agency for tourism since its creation in 1975. The election that chose Sabino’s name took place in Cartagena, Colombia, during the 122nd council meeting .
It is a very important day for Brazil, for tourism in South America, in Africa and the Caribbean, for this entire region of the planet, said Celso Sabino, when commenting on his election to the highest post on the Executive Council of UN Tourism. With this, the minister stated, it is possible to emphasize the need for everyone to recognize that it is necessary to “turn the key”.
“We need to honor, value, recognize the need to create opportunities to produce sustainable development for people such as those in South America, Africa, Asia, in different parts of the world who today are still on the margins of development. In our understanding, that was the winner, the best way to guarantee sustainable development in the economy, in society, so that everyone in the world has opportunities, is through the exploration of sustainable tourism, whether ecotourism, adventure tourism, or conventional tourism. , be it experience.”
Finally, Celso Sabino congratulated the Brazilian delegation, South America, Africa, Asia and Europe, all who supported his election. “The challenge is now doubled, but I’m sure that, with partnership, cooperation and collaboration, we will be able to win.”
In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism highlighted that, in 2025, Brazil will occupy the highest position in the sector, in a year in which the country will be the stage for two major world events: the rotating presidency of Brics, the economic bloc formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30).
According to the ministry, during his mandate, which lasts one year, Celso Sabino will lead the UN agency through strategic decisions for the sector, including attracting investment, professional qualification, sustainability, relationship with climate change and digitization.
Graduated in law and administration, Celso Sabino is from Belém. A tax auditor certified by the State Finance Department, he began his public life as a state deputy in 2011 and 2012 and, later, between 2015 and 2018. He also served as state secretary of Labor , Employment and Income and as president of the Metrology Institute of the State of Pará.
He was elected federal deputy in 2018 and in 2022. In the Chamber of Deputies, he was rapporteur for the Income Tax reform in 2021 and, in 2022, he was president of the Mixed Budget Committee (CMO).
Office in Brazil
Also according to the ministry, the city of Rio de Janeiro, “the main gateway for foreign tourists into the country”, was chosen to host the first UN Tourism office in the Americas. The unit is expected to serve the Latin American and Caribbean region and will have Brazilian and foreign consultants.
“The office will be responsible for continuing UN activities at a regional level; develop actions related to the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism; as well as promoting the integration of tourism into the global agenda; improve the competitiveness of tourism; build partnerships to strengthen the activity, among others”, concluded the ministry.
