Vienna, 4 February 2025 – In a meeting with UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller, Jassim Yaaqob Al-Hamadi, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Qatar, announced today a contribution from the Qatar Fund for Development to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in support of the organization's Innovation and Transformation Fund (ITF). This collaboration will further enhance UNIDO’s efforts to foster sustainable industrial development and promote inclusive economic growth in developing countries. 

The contribution will enable UNIDO to support, deepen and expand its capacities in key areas such as reform and results-oriented innovation, advisory services at regional and international levels, normative work, IT support, digitalization and talent development.  

This partnership underscores the shared commitment of QFFD and UNIDO to address global challenges such as poverty, unemployment, climate change, and environmental degradation by advancing sustainable industrial solutions. By supporting institutional capacities, QFFD aims to scale initiatives that drive human development, economic diversification, and sustainable growth. 

Al-Hamadi emphasized the importance of this collaboration and confirmed that the State of Qatar's support for UNIDO is part of its ongoing commitment to multilateralism and international organizations. He highlighted Qatar's strong interest in UNIDO's activities and its readiness to further expand cooperation. 

Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO, expressed his gratitude for the contribution, stating: “I am very grateful to the Qatar Fund for Development for their unearmarked funding, which will strengthen UNIDO’s core functions and increase the scale and impact of our operations. I encourage other funding partners to follow the great example set by the Qatar Fund for Development.”

About Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) 

The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is a public institution committed to improving the lives of millions worldwide through development assistance, humanitarian aid, and support for global peace and stability. The Fund is a key player in advancing global development goals, especially in areas related to education, health, economic empowerment, and humanitarian assistance. 

About UNIDO 

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization, and environmental sustainability. UNIDO helps developing countries by providing the tools and know-how to achieve industrialization in a sustainable manner. 

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Hanan Hanzaz