VIENNA, 13 April 2022 – Addressing UNIDO’s African Member States, Director General Gerd Müller emphasized his belief that despite the many challenges facing the continent, there are great opportunities for building a bright, innovative future based on developing the continent’s vast potential.

He pointed out the consequences of climate change, the armed conflict in Ukraine, and the still ongoing pandemic which has led to a dramatic rise in energy and food prices.

The DG has initiated a reform process and new thematic priorities that will address the contribution of the Organization in such a way that we tackle these crises, together with our partners and Member States.

To achieve this, UNIDO and its partners need to engage new partners for investment and development financing.  “Looking into the future, UNIDO’s work in Africa will continue to be aligned with AU’s 2063 Agenda, the 2030 Agenda and the objectives of the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III).”

As part of the ongoing UNIDO reform process, new region specific approaches to UNIDO’s work in Africa will be developed in conjunction with a special representative to Africa to spearhead these efforts.