Closing Remarks by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the “Boosting Africa’s Transformative Power of Tourism:- Harnessing Technology & Innovation, Youth & Women Entrepreneurship- Follow-up Event to the Africa Dialogue Series 2021, Building towards TICAD 8 in Tunis, 2022”

(As delivered)

Excellencies,
Distinguished guests, Dear Friends of Africa,

It was really interesting and my sincere appreciation to all of you for making today’s event a success. I especially would like to thank all the panelists, the moderator and all other distinguished participants for their stimulating contributions.

I am particularly grateful for the excellent insights, innovative ideas, and enthusiastic ambitions.

Africa’s travel and tourism industry offers many opportunities to invest in Africa, which is expected to boost economic activities and employment opportunities for young people and women.

I think it is clear to us that Africa’s tourism has the power to transform millions of lives for the better, if properly managed, alongside with financial, economic, environmental and social sustainability.

As Ms. Robinson put it, we have to act now. As the panelists from Mastercard Foundations and Tastemakers Africa shared their experiences and innovative practices, Africa’s tourism can be further strengthened by advancing towards all SDGs, leveraging innovative solutions with a system- wide approach, a holistic approach to the entire tourism value chain.

It is my hope that all such great ideas, good practices, inspiring principles, and newly-created networks will come to fruition.

In conclusion dear friends,

TICAD 8 in Tunisia next year will aim at setting out a pathway for African development in the post-COVID-19 era, making full use of the unique dynamism emanating from the private sector. At the same time, TICAD8 will serve as an avenue for supporting a free, open, and rules-based international order and, thereby brining further prosperity and stability to Africa and to the world, together with Africa as a global partner of course. We will bring today’s discussions to the TICAD8 preparation process.

Thank you very much.