In an astounding political development, it has emerged that the Government of Georgia is reportedly preparing to withdraw its support for Zurab Pololikashvili’s candidacy for a third term as Secretary-General of the UN Tourism. Sources suggest this decision is part of a covert agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to back the UAE’s candidate, Shaikha Al Nowais, for the position.
This move has raised serious concerns among international tourism community, as it appears to be a strategic alignment of Georgia with the Russian Federation. Secretary-General Pololikashvili led the entire process in suspending Russia’s membership in the Organization back in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine—a bold stance that set a precedent within the United Nations system. His actions were seen as a significant moral stand against Russia’s invasion over Ukraine, especially now, when Russia has not agreed to a ceasefire with Ukraine.
Within the multilateral arena, security and trust must be the main drivers to ensure progress. If decided, the deal could bring serious repercussions to Georgia, whose credibility would end up severely undermined after having already supported Pololikashvili for two terms, in which on both occasions more than 70% of the General Assembly reinstated the decision.
Removing support of Pololikashvili’s candidacy, delivers the opposite message and removes the confidence from the State Members that support his third term. A United Nations agency should look for peace, social healing and reconciliation, not division. Bringing the Russian Federation into the equation during the geopolitical times we are currently witnessing goes against the security and trust these institutions need.