• Need for continued collaboration in sustainable tourism.
• The region is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• The two parties have further committed to the speedy finalization of a new Joint Programme of Action 2022-2025.

Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and UNESCO have acknowledged the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the region’s tourism sector.

SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi and UNESCO Regional Director for Southern Africa, Dr. Lidia Arthur Brito underscored the need for continued collaboration in sustainable tourism.

They highlighted the importance of taking into account that the region is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites which form the basis for the development for the tourism industry.

The two parties further committed to the speedy finalization of a new Joint Programme of Action 2022-2025.

It is through the New Join Programme of Action 2022-2025 that SADC and UNESCO will cooperate and promote new skills, harmonization of education qualifications, Information Communication Technology and sustainable tourism, among others.

This was disclosed after SADC and UNESCO held discussions, Thursday.