Sustainable Tourism: Special Interview with UN Senior Fellow Asif Kabani - Coffee with Erum

Meet Asif Kabani, MBA, a Mentor, Keynote Speaker, and distinguished Senior Fellow at the UN. Founder and CEO of International Sustainable Development Resource Centre, Geneva - Next Generation Leaders, Europe, Kabani's influence extends across continents. As an International Advisor, Consultant for Sustainability and the Internet of Things (IoT), his strategic focus envelops Climate Change, Democracy, Human Rights, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a respected career spanning over 20+ years of Professional Experience in Economics - Finance, HR, IT and projects as Director, Head of Research & projects, international consultant, technical advisor, program and project manager within UN/EU organizations, international donors and Government. Kabani has made an indelible impact within esteemed organizations such as Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Asian Development Bank (ADB), United Nations (UN) office Geneva, ICANN, ITU, Internet Society (ISOC), British High Commission - Foreign Commonwealth Office, UN-DESA, UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNODC, UNHCR, World Bank, International Organization for Migration (IOM). An International Scholar, Trainer, and Public Policy Research Fellow, Kabani's insights have a global resonance, underpinned by his master’s degrees in science and Masters of Business Administration MBA.

#1 What is the UN Agenda 2030? Can you provide an overview of the United Nations' efforts in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) worldwide?

I am truly grateful for this opportunity to share insights and experiences with your esteemed magazine here in Pakistan. Coming to your question, this Agenda serves as a blueprint for advancing people, planet, and prosperity, with a focus on universal peace and eradicating all forms of poverty. Collaborative efforts among countries and stakeholders will drive its implementation. Our commitment is to liberate humanity from poverty, restore the planet, and initiate transformative actions for sustainability. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets underscore the ambition of this universal Agenda, integrating human rights, gender equality, and a balanced approach to economic, social, and environmental progress. These goals will catalyze critical actions over the next fifteen years to benefit humanity and the planet.

#2 As the Program Head of the NGL Program Fellowship, could you explain about the Program and how it is creating young leaders around the world?

NGL blends coursework and practical experience to help prepare professionals from around the world to become the Next Generation Leaders. Our participants gain a unique opportunity to advance their professional growth and build the experience and confidence they need to drive development in their own local communities and the large global ecosystem.? We select the participants from all over the world, from Academic, Business, Civil Society Organizations, INGOs, Donor Agencies, Think Tank and Governments.?

The benefit from the NGLs program: If you are a professional seeking to develop a career in sustainable development, policy, and business; and you are committed to the Sustainable Society Mission, then the NGL programme can help you: Master the drivers of innovation and growth, Setup your Business - Startup - Organization for Impact; To accelerate your training in diplomatic skills as diplomat and Professional Development for Sustainable Society with Impact. To enter the programme and progress through the curriculum, one needs to demonstrate leadership skills and community building potential. The NGL programme emphases network building, community engagement, and knowledge sharing.

#3 What is the importance of tourism and what do you think about the current growth of tourism globally?

Tourism plays a vital role in fostering cultural exchange, economic growth, and global understanding. According to WTTC latest report, in 2022, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed 7.6% to global GDP; an increase of 22% from 2021 and only 23% below 2019 levels. In 2022, there were 22 million new jobs, representing a 7.9% increase in 2021, and only 11.4% below 2019. Domestic visitor spending increased by 20.4% in 2022, only 14.1% below 2019. The tourism sector provides opportunities for developing countries to create productive and inclusive jobs, grow innovative firms, finance the conservation of natural and cultural assets, and increase economic empowerment, especially for women, who comprise the majority of the tourism sector’s workforce. However, its unchecked growth can lead to environmental degradation and social inequalities. Adopting a sustainable tourism model is imperative to preserve natural resources, protect local communities, and ensure a resilient and equitable future for all.

#4 What is the negative impact of tourism on culture, heritage and environment and how do you think the problem can be solved?

‘Here I must say there are many ways tourism is destroying indigenous culture and environment.?

Cultural Erosion: Manufactured events for tourism can distort local culture, causing friction between tourists and locals while erasing genuine traditions.

Standardization: Tourist preferences for familiar experiences reduce cultural diversity, leading to the dominance of global brands and sidelining local businesses.

Environmental Degradation: Tourism-driven development damages habitats, weakens resilience to disasters, deforests areas, and overuses water resources.

Tourist Behavior: Air pollution from congestion, littering harming nature, wildlife disturbance from noise, increased energy consumption, and ocean plastic pollution impact the environment.

The solution to all these problems lies in Sustainable Tourism. The UNWTO and UN Environment Program?suggested 12 Sustainable tourism goals in 2005, which aims to ensure viable and competitive tourism destinations, uplift local economies, provide fair employment opportunities, distribute social benefits equitably, offer fulfilling experiences to all visitors, involve local communities in decision-making, enhance community wellbeing, respect cultural heritage, preserve landscapes, conserve biodiversity, promote resource efficiency, and safeguard the environment.

#5 How do you differentiate between Sustainable tourism and Eco tourism?

Ecotourism and sustainable tourism are often used interchangeably, but they hold distinct meanings. Sustainable tourism aims to offer travel experiences with minimal impact and positive outcomes for destinations and communities. On the other hand, Ecotourism is more centered around educating travelers about nature, engaging in conservation, and participating in cultural activities. While all ecotourism is inherently sustainable, not all sustainable tourism falls under the ecotourism category. For instance, choosing a sustainably powered lodge reached by train is a sustainable choice, yet it might not involve the educational and nature-focused aspects of ecotourism.

#6 What practical actions will you prescribe for a Sustainable Model of Tourism as per UNWTO in Pakistan?

According to the?United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), sustainable tourism is tourism that "takes full account of?current and future?economic, social and environmental?impacts?to meet the needs?of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities". In other words, sustainable tourism takes care of people, animals, and the planet. In pursuit of the Sustainable Tourism model, the global community is gradually embracing principles aimed at enhancing the industry's sustainability. Numerous nations are facilitating the widespread adoption of this approach, introducing certifications, standards, and guidelines to involve all stakeholders in the implementation of this strategy. Pakistan and other least developed countries can learn from them by following their path.

One must discover the pioneering ‘Feynan Ecolodge’, Jordan's first of its kind, blending ancient Caravanserai design with modern sustainability. Managed by EcoHotels since 2009, this retreat in Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve immerses travelers in Jordan's wild beauty and rich history while leaving a minimal environmental footprint. Recognized by National Geographic Traveler Magazine and powered by solar energy in partnership with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, Feynan Ecolodge won the World Responsible Tourism Award in 2019. Another example is Inkaterra Hotels: Peru's premier eco-lodges, 47 years carbon-neutral. Crowned by Green Initiative, UN-endorsed, as world's first "Climate Positive" hotel brand. Locally-built lodges, minimal carbon footprint, maximal environmental respect. Holistic sustainability: people, profit, planet.

#7 How do you think Sustainable tourism contributes to global sustainability?

According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO),?sustainable tourism?contributes to achieving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which sets out an ambitious global framework to end extreme poverty, combat inequality and injustice, and solve climate change. More specifically, it contributes to achieving the plan's 8th, 10th & 14th goals and serves as a catalyst for realizing the 2030 Agenda, notably advancing economic growth, responsible consumption, and the preservation of underwater ecosystems.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Kabani for gracing us with their invaluable insights and experiences today. I’m thankful for his time, wisdom, and dedication to promoting a more harmonious world. His words will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on our readers, inspiring them to explore the realms of diplomacy and cultural exchange.

Interview taken by Erum khan,

Director Innovation & Planning, Travel Explorer Weekly,

Director Odyssey; Pakistan’s first Sustainable tourism company

Fellow and Next Generation Leader - UN SDGs

Chairperson Travel & Tourism Committee GCCI,

& Sustainable Tourism Consultant/Trainer?

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