Launch of the bid by The Hon Dr Walter Mzembi for the post of Secretary General of the UNWTO

INTRODUCTION
Your Excellencies, Honourable Ministers
Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps
A very special Salutation to His Excellency, Dr Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO
UNWTO Executive Directors here present
Distinguished Members of the Media here present
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
First of all, allow me to thank you, very sincerely, for being here this evening as I officially launch my candidature for the post of Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. It is an honour and a privilege that several countries and institutions have encouraged me to stand for this post, and I am humbled at the faith and confidence they have expressed in my ability, vision and passion for tourism as a vehicle for development and transformation.
I am more than convinced that, if given the opportunity to lead this important body within the broad United Nations family, and with the support of all UNWTO member states, I can forge ahead with my Ten Point Plan and will make a significant and positive impact upon global tourism. I am resolute in my commitment to transforming livelihoods through tourism and to contributing to the attainment of some of the key goals of the UNTWO and the UN in general.