EWA at the Annual Global Tourism Forum in Brussels: Championing Inclusive and Sustainable Development

On 15 March 2024, the European Women’s Association (EWA) had the honor of contributing to the Annual Global Tourism Forum in Brussels, a pivotal event organized under the theme “Tourism in a Changing World: Adapting for a Sustainable Future.”

Hosted at the prestigious Conrad Brussels Hotel, the Forum convened global leaders, policymakers, and industry innovators to address the pressing challenges facing tourism and allied sectors. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, the event emphasized the transformative power of collaboration across industries.

Our session, moderated by our president Yulia Stark, explored a powerful truth: inclusive practices are fundamental to building sustainable futures — not only within tourism but across every sector. Inclusivity drives equity, innovation, environmental responsibility, and long-term economic resilience.

We were privileged to be joined by distinguished leaders:

Giorgio Travaini, Executive Director of Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, who shared groundbreaking innovations in sustainable rail transport across Europe.

Sayed Yaqoob Emad, Leader of the Good Faith Council, who underscored the role of ethical and inclusive governance.

Ambassador Michael Christides, Former Secretary General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), who highlighted the critical importance of regional cooperation for sustainable development.

Throughout the discussion, a clear consensus emerged: collaboration, ethical leadership, and innovative infrastructure solutions are vital catalysts for progress. Embedding sustainability and inclusivity at the core of development efforts ensures that growth is equitable, resilient, and beneficial for all communities — while safeguarding our planet for future generations.

At EWA, we firmly believe that empowering women and underrepresented voices is essential to driving meaningful, systemic change in industries worldwide. We are proud to continue fostering cross-sector collaboration and championing the values of inclusivity and sustainability.

Together, we can build economies and societies that are more equitable, innovative, and sustainable for all.