Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — 19 February 2024 — A new chapter in global cooperation was penned today as Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) signed a joint declaration for tripartite cooperation with Mr. Luo Zhaohui, Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and Mr. Melaku Alebel, Minister of Industry of Ethiopia, under the auspices of Ethiopian Prime Minister Mr. Abiy Ahmed. Mr. Müller and Mr. Luo further signed a joint declaration to bolster the Global Development Initiative (GDI).

The tripartite declaration aims to enhance cooperation between CIDCA, the Ethiopian Government, and UNIDO. The signatories expressed their intent to advance the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, thereby accelerating the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The signatories of the tripartite declaration have pledged to assist Ethiopia and other African countries in improving people’s well-being through development projects. These projects will span various sectors, including agriculture, agricultural produce processing, inspection and quarantine, renewable energy, digital technology, green development, and trade facilitation. The technical cooperation efforts will also encompass the establishment of a Centre of Excellence, policy consultation and advice, dissemination of technologies and experiences, and other capacity-building projects.

As part of the UNIDO-CIDCA Joint Declaration, UNIDO will join the Global Development Promotion Center Network, a platform dedicated to discussing development strategies, coordinating joint initiatives, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships. This collaboration aligns with UNIDO’s commitment to accelerating Member States’ achieving of the sustainable development goals, particularly SDG9, which addresses industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

Furthermore, UNIDO and CIDCA will strengthen their cooperation by exploring innovative forms of financial cooperation to support development projects.

Director General Müller stated, “China’s commitment with these agreements is just the beginning of our new quality of cooperation. And the South-South model is a powerful part of that; a powerful, new model for development. By sharing technology and expertise, bringing them to Ethiopia. The Centres of Excellence will show what is possible with the newest technologies and innovative techniques in agriculture, together with renewable energy and digitalization.  And we are grateful to Ethiopia and the Prime Minister for their commitment to being the pilot for this initiative. From here it can spread outward into other countries and be a substantial contribution to achieving the AU’s Agenda 2063.”

This partnership builds upon Direct General Müller’s successful mission to China in October 2023, where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CIDCA and UNIDO reaffirming their commitment to advancing the GDI and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.