Japan Signs on for UNWTO Sustainability Agenda

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation and the Japan International Cooperation Agency have signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at providing a framework for joint action in the area of sustainable tourism.

The agreement, undersigned by UNWTO secretary general, Taleb Rifai, and JICA executive senior vice president, Kazuhiko Koshikawa, opens important opportunities of collaboration as JICA is one of the largest global donors in terms of international cooperation for development in tourism.

As underlined in the document, the agreement aims to contribute to the achievement of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the sustainable development goals through tourism.

A particular focus is given to assisting developing countries to reduce poverty through tourism as well as to improve public policies and business practices in order to ensure sustainable and responsible production and consumption patterns along the tourism supply chain.

“To work together with a development agency that has 40 years of experience is a privilege and a unique opportunity for UNWTO, particularly now that we are launching the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017,” said Rifai on the occasion of the signature of the agreement conducted at the organisations’ headquarters in Madrid.

Other areas of cooperation include research and knowledge-sharing in themes such as tourism and poverty reduction, tourism development in developing countries, tourism and climate change and tourism and security.

In addition, both organisations will cooperate in technical assistance projects addressing policy and strategy development, institutional strengthening, quality standards, human resource development as well as capacity building.