BEIJING, 9 June 2022 - Addressing the 12th BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting, held in virtual format and chaired by China, UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller said the world is “facing a triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution,” and called for greater global solidarity because “our prosperity, everyone’s prosperity, depends on a healthy planet!”

The BRICS group, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has met annually since 2009.

Giving opening remarks in a session on the Digital economy, trade and investment for sustainable development, supply chains, Müller said, “Trade is a key element in achieving our common goals. We need fair and sustainable trade. That means competitiveness combined with social progress, protection of the environment and reduced emissions. The basis for such trade are sustainable industrial policies.”

He cited a number of examples, including South Africa’s Hydrogen Society Roadmap and China’s National Emissions Trading Scheme, detailed in a BRICS-commissioned UNIDO report on promoting sustainability and climate action through trade and industrial policies.

Müller told the BRICS trade ministers, “UNIDO is proud of the long-standing cooperation with you. I want UNIDO to be an even stronger partner for your countries, for the global economy and for a more sustainable future. Together, we can bring new technologies, knowledge and innovation to other countries across the globe. Together, we can think outside the box.”