Georgia has unexpectedly withdrawn its nomination of Zurab Pololikashvili for a second term as Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), channeling a major change in its diplomatic priorities.
The decision was confirmed by the Government Administration, stating that although Pololikashvili was initially put forward by Georgia, “a decision was later made to reverse the nomination.” Instead, Tbilisi has announced it will now support the United Arab Emirates’ candidate for the leadership post. The administration did not elaborate on the reasons behind the reversal, nor did it comment on what pushed the endorsement of the UAE contender.
Pololikashvili, who has held the UNWTO position since 2018, is one of the highest-profile Georgians in the international arena. Naturally, the government’s sudden change raises questions about internal political calculations and evolving foreign policy alignments.
The next Secretary-General of the UNWTO is expected to be elected during the organization’s General Assembly later this year.
