VIENNA - In a world marked by unprecedented global challenges, charting a clear path towards sustainable development is more critical than ever. Recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions and soaring inflation rates have exposed the fragility of progress made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Against this backdrop, the international community increasingly acknowledges the prime role that industry is set to play in advancing solutions and rescuing the SDGs.

To discuss current trends and future prospects for accelerating progress through industrial policy and how to implement it through technical cooperation projects on the ground, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) organized four regional workshops bringing together representatives from UNIDO Member States and prominent experts from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

In his opening remarks, UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller said, “Industrialization, as an engine of growth, holds the key to create decent jobs, lead the green transition and foster innovation. Our analysis shows that manufacturing industries drive green innovation and the energy transition more than any other economic activity.”

He continued, “At UNIDO, we support the development of effective, future-oriented industrial strategies. With the right policies, countries can turn their industrial sectors into powerful engines for sustainable development, leaving no one behind.”

The workshops provided a platform for experts and policymakers to share their experiences, opinions and needs, and to identify proven and innovative approaches to make real progress towards achieving the SDGs.

Key takeaways included agreement on the resurgence of industrial policy across regions, but also on the need for increased state capacity to design and implement successful industrial policies. There was also agreement on the need for better coordination and synergies between policies as well as between private and public sectors. Green economy, digitalization and participation in global and regional value chains were identified as the key opportunities to accelerate progress towards the SDGs.

Expert speakers included Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University; Fiona Tregenna, Professor of Economics at the University of Johannesburg; Dato' Rajah Rasiah, Executive Director, Asia-Europe Institute, University of Malaya; and Alicia Bárcena, designated Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico.

In closing remarks, UNIDO Managing Director Ciyong Zou thanked participants for their insightful contributions, adding, “We will build on these for our report for the SDG Summit in New York in September, for our regional strategies and for the 2024 UNIDO Industrial Development Report.”