Dusseldorf, Germany – UNIDO remains at the forefront of driving packaging innovation and sustainability, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to positive change. Collaborative endeavors are steering the packaging industry toward a greener future.

In a notable collaboration in Dusseldorf, UNIDO partnered with UNIDO ITPO Germany, WPO, and African MSMEs for workshops and events. These activities aimed to drive innovation, enhance sustainable practices, and focus on food packaging and food safety. Ali Badarneh, Chief of UNIDO’s Food Security and Food Systems Unit, delivered a speech highlighting the impact of sustainable packaging practices on food security and waste reduction. 

 Building on the momentum, Gunther Beger, Managing Director of UNIDO’s Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, presented progress through the UNIDO-WPO report. This echoed UNIDO's global partnership commitment.  

Another highlight was the Arab StarPack Packaging Awards co-hosted by UNIDO and LibanPack. This award recognized 27 winners supported by UNIDO's Swedish funded project, which aims to facilitate regional trade and regional harmonization in the League of Arab States Region. Swedish ambassador Håkan Emsgård honored the occasion. Among the awardees, 10 winners from developing countries were recognized, making it the first time in the competition's 50-year history that winners have emerged from developing countries.