The Danger of a Third Term in Global Institutions like UN Tourism

Third Time Isn’t the Charm; It’s the Warning Sign

Abraham Lincoln, once famously said:

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

He was right then, and he’s still right today. This human flaw is hardwired into the psychology of leadership. The desire to stay is often stronger than the duty to leave.

This quote has echoed throughout this campaign as I’ve met many member states about the future of UN Tourism, and how we must rebuild it on stronger foundations of trust, fairness, and transparency.

The United Nations and its specialized agencies are built on noble ideals—peace, cooperation, and equity—but the system has structural flaws that leave it vulnerable to personalized power. Unlike national governments, UN agencies often operate with minimal external oversight, limited media scrutiny, and soft internal checks.

We’re seeing the signs of this, and if power is the ultimate test of integrity, at UN Tourism, we’re failing it.

When a Secretary-General seeks a third term, it’s not about continuity. It’s about control. What began as a stewardship becomes a stronghold. What was meant to serve many begins revolving around one.

This is not just a leadership issue — it’s an institutional crisis. It has lead to disunity and discord among the member states.

That is why many member states now recognise that it is time for Change at UN Tourism.

That is why my moto, my statement of intent – indeed my whole candidacy is about the change that we need to implement if we are to restore trust to this important organisation.

My policy goals – Growth, Transparency and Unity reflect the needs I hear in all my member state discussions.

So change is in order, and change starts within. I am making a clear commitment:

1. No third terms. Enforcing a strict two-term limit for the Secretary-General of UN Tourism. Leadership must be about stewardship, not permanence.
2. Stronger governance. Implementing transparent, impartial selection and reappointment processes. Rules should be binding, fair, and future-proof.
3. Full transparency. Establishing independent oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of office

This is part of a programme that will reshape the organisation run for and by the bureaucracy to one run for and by the member states – it’s true owners.

I call on every candidate in this race to join me in publicly pledging:
No third terms. No silent autocracy. No manipulation of the rules.

We must build institutions that serve people, not personalities.

Let us lead by example.
Let us protect the principles we were entrusted to uphold.

Call to Action by Harry Theoharis, Candidate for Secretary-General of UN Tourism

“If elected and entrusted with the role of Secretary-General of UN Tourism, I will act decisively to restore the principle of leadership rotation by reinstating the two-term limit for the office.

I will formally call upon the governing bodies of UN Tourism, both the Executive Council and the General Assembly, to enshrine this rule in a way that is clear, binding, and future-proof.

This change is not about one individual or a campaign promise that I want to do, it’s about protecting the credibility, transparency, and democratic integrity of UN Tourism for generations to come.

I call on every fellow candidate running for the post of UN Tourism Secretary-General in this race to join me in publicly pledging that they too will restore and enforce a two-term limit for the Secretary-General of UN Tourism if elected.”

– Harry Theoharis
Candidate for Secretary-General of UN Tourism