UNWTO appoints Chef Fatmata Binta and Chefs Martín Berasategi and Pedro Subijana as Ambassadors for UNWTO Sustainable Tourism
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has designated Chef Fatmata Binta and the internationally renowned Basque chefs Martín Berasategi and Pedro Subijana as Ambassadors for Sustainable Tourism during the 8th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomic Tourism organized in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Center (BCC). In doing so, UNWTO recognizes their contributions to gastronomy, the promotion of local products, and community development.
With this appointment, UNWTO emphasizes the importance of sustainable food systems, cultural preservation, and training as examples of the joint transformative potential of gastronomy and tourism for the development and prosperity of communities worldwide.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted the combined potential of gastronomy and tourism: "It is a privilege to have world-renowned chefs join our mission today to advance the role of gastronomy and tourism for our planet and its people, strengthening communities, promoting sustainable food systems, and changing lives."
Chef Fatmata Binta
Hailing from Freetown, Sierra Leone, her extensive travels and collaborations with internationally renowned chefs have led her to promote responsible and sustainable consumption, especially in Africa, in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Her exceptional dedication has earned her international recognition, including the prestigious Basque Culinary World Prize (2022) and the Best Chef Rising Star Award (2021). She founded the Fulani Kitchen Foundation in 2020, aimed at empowering women in rural areas of Ghana through food security.
Chef Martín Berasategi
The Guipuzcoan chef with the most Michelin Stars in Spain - 12 spread across seven of his restaurants - began his culinary career at the age of 15. He achieved worldwide recognition for a family-owned business and continues to be an ambassador for the best Basque cuisine worldwide while maintaining his commitment to healthy cooking.
Chef Pedro Subijana
Considered a visionary in the industry, author of several books, and host of a cooking program on Basque television, he is a co-founder of the New Basque Cuisine movement. Since 1975, he has led the Akelarre restaurant, which has held three Michelin stars since 2007.
In addition, Chefs Subijana and Berasategi are members of the Board of Trustees of the Basque Culinary Center, underscoring their commitment to culinary excellence and education.
These three new Ambassadors for Sustainable Tourism of UNWTO join other prominent figures who, in addition to gastronomy, represent culture, sports, arts, and philanthropy.