Excellency Ambassador Alejandro Solano, Professor Jeffrey Sachs, excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

We all see the dramatic effects of the current global crises. According to World Bank calculations, 250 million jobs in developing countries were lost just from the effects of the COVID pandemic. The pandemic, climate change and the consequences of the war in Ukraine hit the developing countries the hardest. And all this despite the fact that they are not responsible for any of these crises.

We need a “new deal” of fair globalization, global solidarity with a renewed spirit of international partnership. Industrialized countries invest trillions for stabilizing their economy, a luxury that the countries of the developing world simply do not have.

I say that the promises of the G-7 to develop 500 million people  out of hunger and poverty must be fulfilled. The $100bn dollars pledged to finance climate measures are so obviously necessary and must be fulfilled now. The climate change loss and damage fund must be concretized for COP28. Indeed, the global community’s pledges must not only be on paper but must be made concrete.

There are problems, yes, but there are also solutions!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very pleased to welcome you all to UNIDO's first Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum. In the spirit of UNIDO’s new motto, “progress by innovation”, I hope that together you will be open to discussing innovative solutions.

This Forum brings together Member State policymakers and industrial development stakeholders to find common solutions to the challenges the world is facing today: New approaches to old and new problems. We need strategic initiatives to mobilize technology, investments, infrastructure and partnerships at different levels, in support of all developing countries, especially the Least Developed Countries.

Excellencies,

The global development agenda is at a critical juncture.  The dramatic crises we are seeing: the consequences of the COVID Pandemic, the impact of climate change, exploding food and energy prices – they have turned back progress on the SDGs.

But yes, we also have the solutions. Developing and emerging countries urgently need investments in infrastructure, social services and renewable sources of energy.  They need support in tackling biodiversity loss, persistent pollution , and climate change impacts.  LDCs make up less than 1% of CO2 emissions, but they are most affected by the increasingly extreme climate disasters we see.

There is no one-size fits all solution, but we do know what must be done: industrial decarbonization is key – decoupling growth from emissions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In light of current developments, several industrialized economies are re-evaluating their support to strategic industries to address vulnerabilities. At the same time, the G20 has reduced development funding and investment in productive sectors in developing countries!

The gap is widening. The development trap continues.

Without corresponding strategy and policy support, developing countries cannot fairly participate in world markets or compete with the rich world. By increasing - not reducing -  support to developing countries now, we can set the path for the future prosperity of developing countries and themselves! 

This forum is a unique opportunity!

We know that a stronger, diversified industrial base means more resilience for a country, its economy, and its people. Policy dialogue and coordination among all the stakeholders is the key both at home and abroad.

I just returned from the LDC 5 conference in Doha. There I called for a better deal for the developing world, based on stronger global solidarity. Thus we have been developing the UNIDO Strategy for the LDCs for the next decade, together with you, our Member States.

It IS possible to end hunger worldwide, to address climate change and to create fair supply chains - IF we ALL take responsibility and do not leave the burden on LDCs alone.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Here, sharing our experiences and expertise, we can identify proven and innovative actions to make real progress on these challenges before us. UNIDO is ready to do its part as the platform to facilitate knowledge transfer, investments and partnerships among Member States, private sector and other stakeholders. Modern industrial policies can be a critical tool to advance our common agenda.

I am glad you are all here to bring your ideas to this Forum, and I look forward to the results!