The 20th UNIDO General Conference concluded in Vienna
December 05, 2023
The 20th session of the General Conference of UNIDO with the theme, “Fair Globalization: Innovative Solutions for the Industry of Tomorrow“, has concluded after five days, during which representatives of Member State and other guests explored new pathways to sustainability, digital inclusivity and economic resilience. Discussions and debates focused on how inclusive and sustainable industrial development can support sustainable supply chains, limit climate breakdown and contribute to ending hunger worldwide.
The General Conference saw a strong participation of stakeholders from governments, academia, the private sector and knowledge-based institutions. Five hundred and ninety-two delegates took part in the Conference, including 28 government ministers, and they were joined by representatives of 66 non-governmental organizations, UN agencies and private sector partners.
UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller’s opening speech on 27th November 2023 set the tone with a call for more global solidarity. “We need to rethink the global economy. We need new rules for globalization – to foster fairer globalization with development opportunities for all. The industrialized countries must fulfill their promises and commitments.”
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Alexey Gruzdev led the Russian delegation at the General Conference. During his speech, he noted that the Russian Federation attaches special importance to interaction with UNIDO as a key organization of the UN system on industrial development issues, including the implementation of joint programmes and projects.
“This year, with the help of Russia’s voluntary contribution, 8 technical cooperation projects and one country partnership programme are being implemented in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Central Asia. In addition, the Russian Federation finances the activities of the UNIDO Centre for International Industrial Cooperation in Moscow, whose work we attach special importance to, seeing it as a reliable partner for achieving the key goals and tasks of UNIDO.”
In his speech, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the potential of inclusive and sustainable industrialization in creating shared global prosperity. Paula Narváez, President of the UN ECOSOC, emphasized the role of sustainable industrialization in economic growth, while Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly, commended UNIDO for delivering on knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and capacity building.
The General Conference saw a high-level debate prompted by the key findings of UNIDO’s flagship publication: the Industrial Development Report. The Report presents model solutions for developing countries, such as supply chain development in the green minerals sector, skills development for local digital solutions to improve advanced manufacturing, and strategically fortifying trade infrastructure to attract Foreign Direct Investment.
In his closing speech, UNIDO DG Gerd Müller said, “Our discussions here this week have made it clear what is needed: investments in infrastructure, sustainable energy systems, and food security, and investments in green technologies, digitalization, artificial intelligence, education, and the empowerment of women.”
Looking ahead to the COP28 in Dubai, Müller announced that “UNIDO will be focusing on stressing the need for investment in the expansion of renewable energy sources, and on promoting green hydrogen in developing countries and, above all, the least developed countries.”
During the conference, a bilateral meeting was also held between Deputy Minister Alexey Gruzdev and UNIDO DG Gerd Müller. Current issues of interaction between Russia and UNIDO were discussed. Alexey Gruzdev also invited Gerd Müller to visit the 14th International Industrial Exhibition “INNOPROM” in Yekaterinburg in July 2024 and the International Exhibition-Forum “Russia” in Moscow.
