14 July 2023 - In a display of synergy and collaborative efforts, the Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) Directorate hosted a momentous townhall meeting on 14 July 2023, at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) headquarters.  

The Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director of TCS, Ciyong Zou, led the townhall by delivering a comprehensive presentation on the Directorate's commitment to harmonize technical cooperation (TC) and normative efforts with Member States' needs and expectations for enhanced sustainable industrialization. From harnessing GEF-8 to leveraging the Kigali Amendment and the Biodiversity Fund, the Directorate is poised to carve a distinct niche in sustainable development, underpinned by the principles of the UNIDO Abu Dhabi Declaration ahead of the next UNIDO 20th session of the General Conference to be held in November 2023. 

The TCS Directorate, together with selected resource persons representing all the other Directorates, offered a platform to reflect on organizational priorities, regional and global perspectives, delve into private sector partnerships, and deliberate on support services—stimulated by thought-provoking insights.  

Organizational Priorities: Navigating UNIDO's course: The participants pondered over how to translate the Director General's commitments to UNIDO's Member States into concrete actions that can be delivered at a rapid pace and with high quality. More integration through innovative use of funds, large-scale programmes and projects, as well as flagship initiatives could support the achievement of the Organizational priorities. Efficiently nuancing TC priorities by region should also pave the way towards tailored approaches for Member States in cooperation with suitable partners.  

Regional and Global Perspectives: Forging a unified approach: As the Directorate seeks to enhance TC quality, it concurrently embarks on optimizing coordination with the field network. The conversation delved into realistic engagement possibilities for effective TC mobilization and delivery at regional and global levels. With the Director General's target by up to 25% TC increase for the next biennium, participants brainstormed pragmatic steps and solutions. From enhancing coordination between Programme Managers and the field network, to optimizing allotments, participants explored ways to achieve better synergy.  

Partnerships with the Private Sector: Charting broader collaborative avenues: UNIDO is poised to forge new collaborations spanning private sector businesses, academia, and government institutions. Participants took the opportunity to scrutinize internal mechanisms and tools towards scaled-up private sector collaboration beyond funds mobilization. UNIDO’s TC portfolio need to go hand in hand with the value proposition and mapping of private sector partnerships with the guidance and strong support of Member States.  

Procurement Support Services: Optimizing the path ahead: The conversation also shifted to procurement support services. Concrete solutions were discussed to align this support function with TCS's needs for enhanced delivery to Member States. Embracing concepts such as cost-centers and outsourcing, the Organization is set to make the most of full cost recovery, among others. Additionally, by minimizing specific support costs and reconsidering more focused and concise activities, the Organization strives for a balanced trajectory that optimizes both quality and efficiency.

The event not only provided an avenue for knowledge sharing and cross-divisional insights but also demonstrated TCS's dedication to addressing challenges and seizing opportunities through innovative solutions. As TCS moves forward, the echoes of this townhall, aligned with the Director General’s vision and expectation on TCS as well as the Directorate’s operational principles of Innovation, Integration, Impact, Communication, and Cooperation, are sure to resonate in the Directorate's ongoing endeavors to support Member States in achieving sustainable industrial development.