Speech by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Iraq and Head of (UNAMI) during an event organized by the United Nations in Iraq to celebrate the selection of Baghdad as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2025

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honor to stand before you today as we celebrate a remarkable achievement - the selection of Baghdad as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2025.

This important recognition is a testament to Iraq’s rich cultural heritage and reflects the significant progress the country has made in recent years toward security, stability, and development.

Today, we honor a city that has endured unimaginable hardships, emerging as a symbol of resilience, civilization, history, and culture. This is the city of Al-Rashid, a capital of literature, science, and creativity for centuries.

Iraq, the land of Mesopotamia, is truly the cradle of civilization. This is where history was written, where the first eternal laws were inscribed by human hands, where the first cities were built, and where knowledge flourished.

From the ancient Sumerians to the Babylonians and Assyrians, this land has gifted humanity unparalleled advancements in writing, law, governance, and science. Baghdad, in particular, has long been and will remain the intellectual capital of the world, home to the great House of Wisdom, where scholars from different civilizations gathered to advance knowledge and innovation.

This recognition serves as an invitation to rediscover Iraq’s vast historical and cultural treasures. Visitors to this deep-rooted and sacred land will witness its rich and diverse beauty, its deep-rooted history, and the warmth and generosity of its people.

The United Nations extends its congratulations to Iraq’s leadership and people of Iraq on this well-deserved designation, and we look forward to seeing Baghdad shine on the global tourism map.

We invite Arab tourists, and visitors from all around the world, to explore this extraordinary city and experience its unique charm.

I sincerely thank each and every one of you for being here today.

Thank you.