At the international Sagarmanthan Summit – The Great Oceans Dialogue, Harry Theoharis, candidate for Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), participated in discussions held in New Delhi on November 19–20, 2024. The summit welcomed representatives from 60 countries.
Mr. Theoharis, a member of the Hellenic Parliament and former minister, focused on presenting the conditions under which India, as a nation with significant potential in various economic sectors, could actively join the ranks of leading countries, particularly in the global maritime industry.
As Mr. Theoharis noted:
“By participating in the Great Oceans Dialogue Summit, I sought to highlight the mutual benefits of India’s active engagement in the maritime sector and the feasibility of such an endeavor. However, achieving this goal requires a specific methodology grounded in international partnerships with leading countries in the field, such as Greece. Through this collaboration between Greece and India, the desired outcome can be achieved.”
Mr. Theoharis emphasized that India, as an emerging economic power in trade, cannot overlook the significance of the maritime transport industry, a sector where Greece plays a leading and decisive global role.
Beyond promoting collaboration between Greece and India, Mr. Theoharis also met with India’s Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekwawat, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Suman Billa, during the summit. He presented his vision and plan for the UNWTO in the context of the upcoming elections for a new Secretary-General.
Summarizing his impressions of the summit, Mr. Theoharis remarked:
“During my meetings here in New Delhi, I outlined the rationale and momentum behind my candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization. I was particularly pleased that the senior officials I spoke with in a cordial atmosphere pledged to seriously consider supporting our candidacy.
Furthermore, collaboration between Greece and India, as proven in various other sectors, could yield significant results within the framework of the UNWTO, with positive implications for the global tourism industry and both nations.”
