United Nations World Tourism Organization
Who is UNWTO’s next secretary general?
Most within the UNWTO circle and the media that follows the organization’s actions would concur that a vote for the next secretary general has been made in favor of the interim secretary general, Taleb Rifai of Jordan. That is until Korea’s Oh Jee-chul decided to throw in his candidacy, thus challenging the more experienced Rifai for the UNWTO secretary general post.
After Mr. Francesco Frangialli's decision to leave his position prior to the expiration of his third term, Rifai took office from March 1, 2009 until the end of the scheduled term of office, December 31, 2009.
Also up for the job are Arab Hoballah of Lebanon and Khalid Malik of Pakistan. UNWTO has provided information on each candidate via its web site. For the curriculum vitae and the statement of intent and management of each of the four candidates, point your browser to: http://www.unwto.org/pdf/TanasitionCVs_Statements.pdf .
Out of the four candidates, however, Rifai is undoubtedly the most experienced for the job. For one thing, he has served as the UNWTO deputy secretary general from February 2006 to February 2009.
Also, Mr. Rifai has an extensive background in international and national public service, the private sector, and academia. Prior to joining UNWTO, he was the assistant director general of the International Labor Organization (ILO). He has also served as Jordan’s minister of planning and international cooperation, minister of information, and minister of tourism and antiquity.
The UNWTO executive council is scheduled to meet in Bamako, Mali on May 7 and 8, 2009 to select one candidate to the post of secretary-general for the period 2010-2013. The selection will then need to be ratified by the general assembly when it meets in Astana, Kazakhstan from October 2 to 9, 2009.
Comments
I am convinzed, that Mr. Oh is the right candidate.
In the point of this view it's simply impossible to have an objective ideas for the vote. It doesn't depend on the experience only, but fresh and innovative ideas of the candidates. In the circle of politic everybody has been seeing that the experiences doesn't make an change and innovation. I think Oh, Ji-Chul has been having innovative philosophie and might bring a change in this situation. If interested, you can read about him as well, not only about Taleb Rifai
In the point of this view it's simply impossible to have an objective ideas for the vote. It doesn't depend on the experience only, but fresh and innovative ideas of the candidates. In the circle of politic everybody has been seeing that the experiences doesn't make an change and innovation. I think Oh, Ji-Chul has been having innovative philosophie and might bring a change in this situation. If interested, you can read about him as well, not only about Taleb Rifai
Who is Mr. Rifai? He is working really by UNWTO? I don't know, what he is doing in UNWTO? I'm negativ Mr. Rifai.
CHANGE has been the keyword in the recent U.S. Presidential election.
Change and Innovation are what UNWTO urgently need when it was awarded with the UN Specialized Agency Status.
Change and innovation can be achieved when it comes and challenged from outside. Those who have been running UNWTO can not be the agent for changes and innovation. They might be the subject for changes.
And why should Mr Oh Jee-chul not contest the election? We have seen time and time again how fresh blood and fresh ideas help organisations move forward. And why has ETN started reporting in favour of Mr Rifai instead of being impartial?
Is this position that important for those of non in-house UNWTO family?
Is it that tempting for those already holding enviable positions to compete with the only experienced veteran, asistant SG and presently interim SG, complemented by formerly minister of tourism & antiquities, assistant SG of the ILO, etc etc etc.
Isn't it only logical that Dr. Rifai be unanimously voted as SG for the next term?
Dr. Rifai, had been left to me, I would have crowned you as SG without a wink of an eye.
Good luck and God bless.
Adnan Habboo
No doubt Taleb Rifai - with his knowledge and experience, drive and dedication - is the right man on the right spot!
and who cares ????
AND WHO CARES ??????
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