Accra, Ghana – Ghana has formally commenced negotiations with Belarus on a visa waiver agreement that would significantly ease travel between the two nations, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced following high-level talks in Minsk.

The announcement came after a bilateral meeting between Minister Ablakwa and his Belarusian counterpart, Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, where the two sides agreed to fast-track discussions on mutual visa exemption alongside expanded cooperation in education, defence, cybersecurity, and agricultural mechanisation.

“This visa waiver negotiation is a key step toward strengthening people-to-people contacts and facilitating business, academic and cultural exchanges,” Ablakwa stated. “Both countries are committed to deepening our historic friendship through practical, mutually beneficial partnerships.”

The talks also produced concrete commitments to advance educational exchange programmes, joint defence initiatives, and cybersecurity collaboration. A major focus was placed on agriculture, with Belarus offering expertise in tractor manufacturing, modern farming technologies, and mechanised services to support Ghana’s Feed Ghana initiative under President John Dramani Mahama.

“Ghana and Belarus cherish our strong relations and we are poised to enhance our cooperation particularly in the area of mechanized agriculture and tractor production as we aim to anchor President Mahama’s Feed Ghana initiative,” the minister added.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on June 5, 1992. Since then, Ghana and Belarus have held regular political consultations, including meetings on the margins of the Munich Security Conference and bilateral rounds in Accra and Minsk covering education, medicine, trade and security.

The visa waiver talks form part of Ghana’s broader visa diplomacy strategy, which has already seen negotiations launched with Pakistan and the Republic of Korea to improve global mobility for Ghanaian passport holders and attract investment and tourism.

Belarus, a major producer of agricultural machinery and tractors, is positioning itself as a strategic partner for Ghana’s push toward food security and agricultural transformation.

Officials from both sides described the current engagements as “very productive” and expressed optimism that the visa waiver and other agreements could be finalized within the coming months.

António Guterres has renewed calls for peace amid rising global tensions, warning that escalating conflicts threaten international cooperation while highlighting the need for dialogue and solidarity across cultures.

Speaking during a period when Muslims observe Ramadan and Christians mark the season of Lent, Guterres expressed concern about growing violence in Lebanon and called for an end to war.

“These sacred weeks are meant for compassion, generosity and solidarity — not war,” Guterres said, urging global leaders to pursue peace.

A Consistent Call for Global Cooperation

Since becoming secretary-general of the United Nations in 2017, Guterres has repeatedly warned that geopolitical rivalries are weakening the systems of international cooperation established after World War II.

Before assuming the role, Guterres led the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for a decade, where he witnessed firsthand the humanitarian consequences of conflict.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he issued a global appeal for a ceasefire, urging countries to halt armed conflicts and focus on the shared threat posed by the virus.

While the call did not stop all conflicts, it reinforced the UN’s role as a moral voice advocating for peace and cooperation.

Tourism’s Emerging Diplomatic Influence

At the same time, leaders in the global tourism sector say the travel industry may play a growing role in promoting international understanding.

Officials with UN Tourism argue that travel fosters connections between cultures and helps break down stereotypes by allowing people to experience other societies firsthand.

Former UN Tourism chief Taleb Rifai often described tourism as a “passport to peace,” emphasizing that travelers build trust between societies through direct interaction.

Other global leaders have also highlighted tourism’s diplomatic value. Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan promoted the concept of global citizenship, while his successor Ban Ki-moon designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

Changing Leadership in Global Tourism

More recently, the UN tourism sector has shifted focus toward economic recovery following the pandemic’s devastating impact on travel.

Under former UN Tourism chief Zurab Pololikashvili, the organization concentrated on rebuilding tourism economies and encouraging investment and innovation.

Leadership has since transitioned to Shaikha Al Nowais, who now faces the challenge of strengthening tourism’s development role while navigating complex international politics.

Private Sector’s Growing Role

Alongside UN institutions, private travel organizations are increasingly involved in global tourism diplomacy.

One of the most influential groups is the World Travel & Tourism Council, led by Gloria Guevara.

Guevara previously served as Mexico’s tourism minister and is widely recognized as a key figure connecting public and private sectors within the global travel industry.

The council represents major airlines, hotels, cruise lines and tourism operators, giving it significant influence within an industry that supports hundreds of millions of jobs worldwide.

Tourism as a Bridge Between Cultures

Analysts say tourism’s global reach positions the industry as a potential force for peace and stability.

Travel networks connect countries and cultures in ways that transcend political divisions, making the industry dependent on international stability and open borders.

As global conflicts and political tensions continue to challenge traditional diplomacy, observers say partnerships between international organizations and the tourism sector could play a role in fostering dialogue and mutual understanding.

Cartagena, Colombia – March 6, 2026 – When most people picture a “typical” Colombian, images of global superstars like Karol G, J Balvin, or Shakira often come to mind.

But step into the colorful streets of Cartagena and the reality is far more diverse—and far richer.

In a compelling video posted by journalist and travel storyteller Nicole Philip (@ncolphillip), the Afro-descendant population of Colombia—among the largest outside Africa—takes center stage.

“Colombians also look like me,” Philip says, highlighting a truth often overshadowed by media representation and complexion privilege.

Just outside Cartagena lies San Basilio de Palenque, the first legally free Black town in the Americas.

Founded in the early 1600s by formerly enslaved Africans who escaped Cartagena under the leadership of Benkos Biohó, Palenque resisted Spanish attempts to destroy it for decades. Eventually, Spain signed a treaty recognizing its freedom—making it a historic beacon of Black self-determination long before Haiti became the first free Black republic.

Inside Palenque, residents developed their own governance systems and created Palenquero, a Creole language blending Spanish with Bantu roots from Central Africa.

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A post shared by Nicole | Travel Creator & Journalist (@ncolphillip)

Today, the vibrant Palenquero dresses—bold, multicolored, and instantly recognizable—are a national symbol of Colombia, appearing in advertisements, fashion campaigns, and across social media.

Yet Philip’s message is clear: these cultural icons represent far more than aesthetics.

“Their existence is more than a photo op,” she says. “It symbolizes Black history and pride in a nation that owes its entire existence to both.”

The video has sparked renewed conversation about Colombia’s Afro-descendant heritage, urging travelers to look beyond Cartagena’s famous walled city and explore Palenque, a living testament to resistance, resilience, and cultural survival.