In the scope of the 8th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, co-organized by the Basque Culinary Center (BCC) and held in Donostia – San Sebastian, Spain, 5 October 2023 The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has selected Chef Fatmata Binta and world-renowned Basque Chefs Martin Berasategi and Pedro Subijana as Ambassadors for Sustainable Tourism. The UNWTO recognizes their efforts in cuisine, local food promotion, and community development.
With this nomination, the UNWTO emphasizes the importance of sustainable food systems, cultural preservation, and capacity building as examples of gastronomy and tourism’s mutual transformational potential for the growth and prosperity of communities worldwide.
“It is a privilege to have world-renowned chefs join us today in our mission to advance the role of gastronomy and tourism for our planet and people, strengthening communities, fostering sustainable food systems, and changing lives,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
Chef Fatmata Binta
Her vast travels and partnerships with internationally famous chefs have led her to encourage ethical and sustainable eating, particularly in Africa, in conjunction with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Her unwavering commitment has gained her international acclaim, including the coveted Basque Culinary World Prize (2022) and the Best Chef Rising Star Award (2021). In 2020, she established the Fulani Kitchen Foundation, which strives to empower women in rural Ghana via food security.
Chef Martin Berasategi
The Gipuzkoa chef with the most Michelin stars in Spain (12 between seven of his restaurants) began his culinary career when he was 15 years old. He acquired global notoriety for a family company and continues to be an international exponent of the most extraordinary Basque gastronomy while remaining committed to healthy cooking.
Chef Pedro Subijana
He is regarded as a visionary in the industry, having written many books and hosting a culinary show on Basque television. He is also a co-founder of the New Basque Cuisine movement. He has been the chef at Akelarre since 1975, and it has earned three Michelin stars since 2007.
Chefs Subijana and Berasategi are both trustees of the Basque Culinary Center, demonstrating their dedication to culinary quality and education. The three new UNWTO Sustainable Tourism Ambassadors join other renowned personalities who represent culture, athletics, the arts, philanthropy, and cuisine.
8th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism
The 8th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism was held in Donostia-San Sebastian between 5 – 7 October 2023, It focused on how tourism can foster rural development, generate economic resilience and preserve cultural heritage, and on the connections between product, gastronomy and tourism. This year’s Forum is organised by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Basque Culinary Center (BCC), with the support of the Basque Government, the Provincial Council of Guipuzkoa, the City Council of Donostia – San Sebastian and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain.