Vienna, 11 June 2024 – The fortieth session of the UNIDO Programme and Budget Committee (PBC) concluded after two days of negotiations, with the twenty seven Member States making up the Committee coming to a number of conclusions in preparation for the forthcoming fifty-second session of the Industrial Development Board in November. 

The session was an occasion for Member States to take stock of the progress which UNIDO has made after a thorough process of organizational reform and in the wake of 2024-2025 budget passed at the previous session of the PBC which strengthened the Organization's footing in difficult economic times as a sign of confidence and support from Member States in UNIDO's work.

Addressing the opening of the Committee, Director General Gerd Müller highlighted the overarching achievements and successes of the past year: "First, funds mobilization increased by 44%. This is a new high. Second, technical cooperation delivery increased by 25%.  Third, a 25% increase is also our goal for 2024 and we are on the right path. That enables more projects, more cooperation and initiatives. And now, 50% of our projects directly contribute to gender equality.  Fourth, UNIDO has refined its approach to public-private partnerships, resulting in 29 new private business partnerships in 2023." 

Amongst the conclusions agreed upon by the PBC was one regarding the mobilization of financial resources for UNIDO, reflecting the Committee‘s support for increased voluntary contributions from Member States and other funding partners and supporting new investment and financing instruments to further and better leverage strengths and resources. In the same regard, Member States commended the Organization and the Director General particularly for recent efforts in engaging and building cooperation with new donors and non-traditional partners, urging a continuation of this course of expanding UNIDO's global sustainable economic and industrial development activities.