Background and Relevance of Gloria Guevara
Gloria Guevara, a Mexican candidate, is vying for the position of Secretary-General in the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). With over 35 years of experience in both public and private sectors, Guevara believes her professional background is crucial for securing the upcoming vote.
Current Scenario and Competitors
The Georgian government withdrew its support for the incumbent Zurab Pololikashvili, preventing a third consecutive term and setting a non-favorable precedent for the international organization. This leaves Guevara with four other candidates: Shaikha Al Nowais from the United Arab Emirates, Muhammad Adam from Ghana, Habib Ammar from Tunisia, and Harry Theoharis from Greece.
Voting Process and Support
The UNWTO Executive Council will convene on May 29-30 in Segovia, Spain, where representatives from 35 countries—including Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Bahrain, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and China—will cast their votes. The winning candidate will be recommended to the General Assembly in November during its session in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the appointment will be formally ratified for the 2026-2029 term.
Gloria Guevara’s Campaign Strategy
Guevara has been actively seeking support from various countries, having met with representatives from more than 50 nations. She aims to solidify her existing votes and convert uncommitted votes in her favor.
Mexican Support
Guevara expressed gratitude for the backing of Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the support from Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez. Both have shown strong commitment to her campaign.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Gloria Guevara? Gloria Guevara is a Mexican candidate with over 35 years of experience in public and private sectors, aiming to become the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
- Why is her candidacy significant? Her extensive experience and cross-sector expertise make her a strong contender for the position, which would mark Mexico’s first female Secretary-General in UNWTO.
- Who are her competitors? Guevara’s main competitors are Shaikha Al Nowais (UAE), Muhammad Adam (Ghana), Habib Ammar (Tunisia), and Harry Theoharis (Greece).
- What is the voting process? The UNWTO Executive Council will vote on May 29-30 in Segovia, Spain. The winning candidate will be recommended to the General Assembly in November during its session in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- What is Guevara’s campaign strategy? Guevara aims to secure as many votes as possible by meeting with representatives from various countries and solidifying existing and uncommitted support.
- What level of support does she have from Mexico? Gloria Guevara has received strong backing from Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez.
