News facts
Fifty years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Since then, UNIDO has become the UN system’s industrial development arm, and today continues to work to eradicate global poverty by assisting developing and middle income countries in achieving inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
At the core of UNIDO’s industrial development approach is the firm belief in the need for the successful integration of the economic, social and environmental dimensions in order to fully realize sustainable development for the benefit of our future generations.
LI Yong, the Director General of UNIDO, said that “this anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the past and to chart a new path for a sustainable future. Today, as never before, we are fully committed to the job we started five decades ago: to put an end to poverty once and for all.”
As a first step to realize this approach, UNIDO has developed a new type of assistance package for its Member States: the Programme for Country Partnership, a custom-built formula for each beneficiary country. The first such programmes were launched in Ethiopia and Senegal, and today a Programme for Country Partnership is successfully developing in Peru. Other Member States are eager to have the same approach implemented in their country.
“Looking forward, we feel confident, knowing that UNIDO has a proven track record and a global reputation as a robust and pertinent organization that offers a range of analytical, normative, convening and technical cooperation services, as well as industrial policy advice,” said Director General Li.
“Over the last 50 years, UNIDO has created opportunities for and improved the lives of millions of people, including women and young people. Today, we have a clear mandate and a direct responsibility for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through inclusive and sustainable industrialization, as reflected in Sustainable Development Goal 9. I am confident that together - with the continued support of our Member States and donors - we will realize our dream of a sustainable future,” said Li.
UNIDO Headquarters, based in Vienna, celebrated the 50th anniversary from 21 to 25 November.