NECSTouR’s Executive Vice President Patrick Torrent addressed the Executive Council in his capacity as Chair of the Board of Affiliate Members and on behalf of the wider community of UN Tourism Affiliate Members and the Committee on Matters related to the Affiliate Membership (CMAM) in this first council meeting since the new mandate began of H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism.

Mr. Torrent reaffirmed the Affiliate Members’ commitment to supporting the priorities of Member States and strengthening public-private collaboration across the tourism sector.

Speaking on behalf of the global network of nearly 500 Affiliate Members from more than 80 countries, Mr Torrent welcomed the Secretary-General’s vision for the 2026–2029 mandate and highlighted the growing role of Affiliate Members as a source of knowledge, innovation and practical expertise for UN Tourism. He stressed that Affiliate Members are increasingly focused on delivering real value through more strategic and results-oriented contributions including work on data, climate action, social sustainability and public-private governance, which lie at the heart of NECSTouR’s strategic priorities.

During his intervention, Mr. Torrent highlighted recent contributions by Affiliate Members in areas such as tourism research, emerging tourism segments and sports tourism, while underlining their potential to help identify trends, mobilise expertise and support implementation. Looking ahead to the ‘International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027’, he emphasised the readiness of Affiliate Members to contribute projects, best practices and partnerships in support of a shared global agenda.

Concluding his remarks, Mr Torrent reiterated the Board’s commitment to working closely with the Secretariat, Member States and the Committee on Matters Related to Affiliate Membership, underscoring the unique value of UN Tourism’s public-private network in advancing its mission.

NECSTouR stands committed to collaborate with UN Tourism in mainstreaming sustainable tourism development through effective goverance and stimulating private-public partnerships.