Kenya’s Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala was on Friday evening elected to chair the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Executive Council.
In the election, which was held during the 111th Session of the 23rd UNWTO General Assembly in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Balala emerged top.
He will be deputised an Italian during the one-year tenure, 2019-2020.
According to UNWTO, the Executive Council consists of members elected by the Assembly in the proportion of one member for every five full members.
This is in accordance with the rules of procedure laid down by the Assembly with a view to achieving fair and equitable geographical distribution.
Speaking during a phone interview on Friday night from Russia, Balala said he is delighted to have been elected to chair this important global council.
“This is very important to us because this is the most powerful committee of the organization (UN) that elects the Secretary General and makes the decision on many things of the organization,” said Balala.
