Fifty-second session of the Industrial Development Board of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) [3rd meeting]

Good morning, colleagues. I hope you all had a good rest, and I welcome you to the third plenary meeting of the 52nd session of the IDB, the Industrial Development Board. Thank you to all of us who have joined us yesterday at the reception hosted by DG Müller for the International Day for the elimination of violence against women. I also thank Italy, who co-organized this important event, and I really commend your strong commitment to tackling this critical issue. Let us continue working together for a safer and more equitable future for all. Before we begin, I would like to remind all delegations that, as announced yesterday, the list of speakers will be closed at 2:30 PM. 2:30 today, 2:30, before we start the afternoon session. The second meeting of the informal consultations will start at 12:30 PM in Conference Room C3 on the 7th floor. I was pleased to learn that members of the Board were able to find consensus on 8 draft resolutions that are up for consideration by the Board at this session. The informal consultations will consider the remaining 5 drafts that are open for for further deliberations, including a new draft text submitted by Colombia under Agenda Item 9, inclusive and sustainable development in middle-income countries. As we now return to our consideration of agenda items, allow me to kindly remind delegations to limit your interventions to a maximum of 5 minutes for groups and 3 minutes for member states and other participants. I thank you for your cooperation. We are going now to continue the deliberations under item 3, and the next speaker on my list is Azerbaijan. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam President, and good morning to colleagues. I would like to start by congratulating you for being elected the president of the current session and all other members of the bureau and placing our readiness to engage constructively for a successful conduct of this session. I also thank the outgoing President, His Excellency Mr. Magdi Ahmed Mahfadel Al Noor from Sudan, and members of the Bureau of the 51st Session of the Industrial Development Board for their dedicated work. The delegation of Azerbaijan takes note of Director-General's Annual Report of 2023. During those activities related to the sustainable supply chains, clean energy and climate action, are of importance for the advancement of environmentally sustainable industrial development. We commend the reported 44% increase in mobilization of funds for UNIDO's technical cooperation aimed at providing support to member states. We are of the view that with its unique mandate to promote and accelerate sustainable industrial development, UNIDO plays an important role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We appreciate efforts taken by UNIDO to enhance cooperation with Azerbaijan including on the establishment of innovative industrial ecosystem. Cooperation framework signed between Azerbaijan and Unido in 2022 builds on the result of this longstanding cooperation and guides joint efforts for strengthened partnership in the upcoming 3 years with special focus on environmental energy, environment and energy in all sectors, digital transformation and innovations, quality infrastructure, agriculture, industrial sector. Assistance in establishment of industrial and technology parks and free economic zones is of particular interest. Azerbaijan also stands ready and looks forward to continue its practical cooperation with UNESCO based on countries' economic development priorities. Would also like to highlight and commend UNESCO's active participation at the 29th session of the Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Baku earlier this month, during which UNESCO engaged in various discussions on a broad range of climate-related topics. During the High-Level Roundtable on Green Energy, Hydrogen, Global Energy Storage and Grids, the COP29 Presidency officially launched the COP29 Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, Green Energy Pledge, Green Energy Corridors, and Hydrogen Declaration, calling on party and non-party stakeholders to endorse these initiatives. We welcome UNIDO's role as a lead partner in these comprehensive and ambitious initiatives, which will be critical to achieving global collective collective climate objectives and to keep the 1.5°C target within reach. We also thank those UNIDO member states who have indicated their endorsements of the COP29 Presidency's initiatives. The COP29 was also remarkable by the launch of the Eco-UNIDO Clean Energy Center, which aims to promote a sustainable energy transition, attract investment in green energy, and increase energy efficiency in the Ecoregion. Using this opportunity, we would like to welcome the signing of the joint declaration between UNIDO and Organization of Turkic States yesterday aimed at promoting cooperation between the two organizations. As a member of the OTS, we stand ready to actively contribute to this cooperation. In conclusion, Madam President, we once again reiterate our full support to your efforts to have a productive session of the Industrial Development Board. Thank you.

I thank you for your statement. The next speaker on my list is Brazil. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam President. Brazil aligns itself with these statements by the G7/7 China and by the RULAC. In addition, I will make a few remarks on my national capacity. First, let me congratulate you on your election as President of this 52nd session of the IDB, as well as other members of the board. I assure you of the full support of Brazil's delegation. I also congratulate Ambassador Mohamed Tiamat Moufadali Al-Nour and other members of the board for their work during the 51st session of the board and the preparatory phase for the current session. I'd like to thank the Director-General for his remarks on the activities and achievements of UNIDO. Brazil welcomes particularly the 25% increase in technical cooperation delivery at UNIDO, and we expect that we can achieve consistent growth in technical cooperation in the next years in all the regions. We also appreciate the commitment to continue pursuing gender balance and equitable geographical distribution of UNIDO personnel, as well as to keep supporting the work of the Office of Evaluation Internal of the site. Brazil underscores the work being done by UNIDO on tackling hunger, and congratulate the successful organization of the World Without Hunger in Addis Ababa last October. This is a central issue for Brazil and was one of the priorities of the Brazilian presidency of G20. I take this opportunity to thank the DG and the UNIDO leadership for the decision of joining the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty launched by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the margins of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro last week. We look forward to work closely with you, Nido, in this initiative. Brazil also welcomes the creation of the Group of Friends of Food Security in Vienna, co-chaired by Sudan and Italy. The group may count on the unwavering support of Brazil. Let me conclude by highlighting the important The challenge of climate change, the climate crisis, is an ever-growing concern for all of us, with record high temperatures being registered this year in many countries. In 2025, Brazil will host COP30 in the city of Belém do Pará in the Amazon region. We hope that this conference will be a catalyst for discussions on global and regional environmental issues, including mitigation, adaptation, financing for developing countries, use of renewable renewable energy and the social impacts of climate change. Bearing in mind this wide range of activity, the wide range of activities of UNIDO in these matters, we will be glad to count on the cooperation, active participation of the organization in these discussions. Thank you.

I thank you for your statement, and this brings me to the next speaker on my list, which is Sudan. Excellency, floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam President. My delegation aligns itself with the statements of the Group of 77 and China, as well as the Arab Group and the African Group. And we would like to make the following remarks in our national capacity. Madam President, my delegation would like to congratulate you for your election to preside over the 52nd session of the IDB, and we wish you success. Also, we would like to express our appreciation to the missions of the fraternal and the friendly states for the support we have seen during the last session. Also, we would like to express our appreciation to Mr. Gerd Müller, the DG of UNIDO, for the efforts that he continues to make since the inception of his mandate to achieve inclusive and sustainable industrial development. And we would like to thank the Secretariat of the UNIDO for the excellent preparation for this session. Madam President, my delegation takes note of the annual report of the DG of 2023, and we commend the achievements accomplished by UNIDO notwithstanding the staggering challenges it has witnessed last year. Madam President, we commend our longstanding partnership with UNIDO in terms of capacity building and agricultural support, and we thank the UNIDO for the work of its field office operation from the Kassala state after the breakout of conflict in the country. Also, we would like to commend the EU, Japan, and Italy for their support, and we look forward to benefiting from the Country Partnerships Program and the Country Program Initiatives in the upcoming period. Madam President, the rebellion that broke out in my country in 2023 led to systematic and unprecedented damage that was sustained by the industrial sector in the country, especially in the states of Khartoum and Al-Jazeera, which have witnessed the destruction of more than 6,000 industrial facilities. Thus, my country spares no effort to work and engage with UNIDO and its development partners to try as much as possible to make up for the destruction by building and rebuilding the Ministry of Industry, as well as integral industrial parks, vocational education, and building the skills of women and young people, and to focus on SMEs. And the infrastructure of the industrial sector, together with providing clean energy for industry and having access to external markets. In this regard, we would like to recall the great potential of the Sudan in terms of agriculture and the animal wealth that could be harnessed to achieve food security in Africa and the Arab world. This is a brief version of our national statement, and the full text of our statement is on the website. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank you for your statement, Excellency. And this brings me to the last speaker on— in this agenda item, and that last speaker will be Kenya. Excellency, Floyd, yours.

Thank you, Madam President. My delegation congratulates you now in our national capacity on your election as the chair of this 52nd session of the IDB of UNIDO. Together with your bureau, kindly be assured of our full support. In the same vein, My delegation thanks the outgoing chair, Ambassador Magdi Mofaddal, el nour, and his team for a job well done. Similarly, we extend our appreciation to the DG, Gerd Müller, the Secretariat, and in a very special way, the team led by Madam Fatou Haidara, Victor Djemba, for all the support that we have as a country received. Madam President, Kenya aligns itself with the statements made yesterday by G77 and China and the Africa Group, and I now add the following in our national capacity. Kenya appreciates the ambitious reforms that have been put in place by UNIDO. The success of these reforms has expanded UNIDO's capacity— to address emerging industrial challenges and led to added demand for UNIDO services in new areas, including smart agriculture, industrial decarbonization, energy efficiency, development of green hydrogen, and technological innovation. These new areas are all of great importance to Kenya and indeed to Africa's future sustainability. Kenya is a strong advocate of the UNIDO field offices structure in recognition of the important role played by field officers in liaising directly with governments to ensure alignment of priorities and overseeing the smooth implementation of UNIDO technical cooperation projects. In this regard, we urge you to continue strengthening the Nairobi office in a manner that reflects the value and promise of the partnership between UNIDO, Kenya, and indeed the East African Community at large. Kenya greatly appreciates the increasing volume of technical cooperation projects being undertaken by UNIDO. And while appreciating this growth in the number of overall technical cooperation projects, we remain concerned with the low number of projects carried out in Kenya. In this regard, we urge for the urgent expansion of engagement through conclusion of the next country partnership, uh, Programme Partnership. On geographical representation, while lauding the ongoing reforms within UNIDO, my delegation notes with concern the glaring underrepresentation of Africans at the UNIDO Secretariat, particularly at the senior management level. The current number of senior management officials at UNIDO if you can say P5 and above, who are from Africa is still exceedingly low. We note that this is a continuous process that will require sustained efforts. Even so, it is imperative to do so with a sense of intentionality and urgency. To remedy this anomaly, we are preparing to present highly qualified candidates for upcoming vacancies at UNIDO as and when they arise, particularly at the senior management. These candidates, if successful, will not only enhance Kenya's contribution to UNIDO's core mission but will also contribute immensely to the efforts of the Director-General to ensure balanced representation within the organization. Madam President, my delegation extends its appreciation to UNIDO on the most recent World Without Hunger conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, earlier this month. Kenya strongly believes that a world without hunger is possible. It is for this reason that Kenya decided to participate very strongly at the highest level of government through our President. We call for the outcomes of the conference to be implemented so that we truly can underscore the role of UNIDO in driving better lives and livelihoods. In this regard, we laud the creation and launch of the Friends of Food Security, under the co-chairmanship of Sudan and Italy. Let us build on this momentum to bring the urgently needed relief from hunger. I thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Excellency, for your statement. This brings me to the rights of reply, and I have received one for today. And I give the floor for a right of reply. First right of reply, 5 minutes to the State of Palestine. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam President.

Madam.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President, and good morning. I would like to start by stressing that the members of the Israeli delegation who represent A government presided by Benjamin Netanyahu, for whom the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for war crimes, cannot give us and lecture us on human rights or any other moralities or ethics. Secondly, the apartheid state of Israel set a worldwide record in violating international law, international humanitarian law, UN resolutions, ICJ orders. Orders of provisional measures. They didn't abide by the ICJ, International Court of Justice, advisory opinion on the legal consequences of the illegal Israeli occupation in the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, which concluded that the Israeli occupation is illegal and should be ended as soon as possible. In addition to all this, the Israeli smear campaigns against the UN, its the UN officials, the UN Secretary-General, as they mentioned yesterday in their statement, they tried to discredit, delegitimize the UN organization. Therefore, this apartheid state, the Israeli state, is a pariah state and should not have a place in this esteemed organization like UNIDO and in all other UN organizations. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you for your statement, Madam. I don't see any other requests for the floor. I turn to the Secretary. Nobody has signed up for the list of speakers under right of reply. I conclude our considerations under item 3.

Okay.

Concluded.

So we turn now to agenda item—

There is still a reply by the Secretary Cecilia.

Just in time, I received information that DDT Cecilia is going to sum up and give some information on this on this topic, and after that, we will close the agenda item.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. We are very grateful to all the Excellencies and distinguished delegates for the statements on this opening item, Annual Report of the Director-General for 2023. We appreciate the support received from member states, and at the same time, we have noted a few challenges that were either identified. Together with the responsible offices, we will seek to address this soonest and keep you appraised of our progress. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, before we conclude this agenda item, allow me to announce that on the occasion of this IDB, UNIDO proudly launches the International Yearbook of Industrial Statistics. I have a copy of the report here with me. Copies are available for some of you who would like to take it to your offices. They are outside the boardroom. Also, there are some QR available in case you would like to access the report online. For 30 years, the Yearbook has been published without interruption, making it CUNIDO's longest-running publication. To mark the 30th anniversary, this edition includes a special chapter exploring long-term industrial development trends and their policy implications. Our special thanks go to UNIDO's Industrial Statistics and SDG Reporting Unit for preparing the report. As with all other publications and advice we put together for our Member States, we hope this information in this Yearbook will be useful and will help your countries' policy development and decision-making. Finally, to conclude, as you know, the Organization has begun defining the content of the Medium-Term Programme Framework for 2026-2029. In this regard, we launched a survey 2 weeks ago with Member States in order to obtain your input to guide the preparation of our next Strategic Plan. Given the importance of your input, the survey has been extended to Monday, the 2nd of December. Thank you very much to all of you that have already responded, and I also invite you to complete the survey if you did not have still the occasion to do so. Thank you once again for your commitment to UNIDO's mandate and thank you for all your support. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Deputy Director. If there are no further requests for the floor, I shall adjourn the debate on Agenda Item 3 and we will return to this item later in the session solely for the purpose of adopting any decisions. I take it it is agreed. We start agenda item 4, report of the program and budget committee, including sub-items A to G. I now invite you to take up agenda item 4, report of the program and budget committee, including sub-items A to G. The documentation under this item is listed in document ID B52 CRP1. I would like to remind all delegates that two draft decisions have been considered without objections at the informal consultations, namely on the financial situation of UNIDO and on the mobilization of financial resources. The draft decision on budget implementation flexibility remains open for further deliberations. I would like to invite the Secretariat to provide a brief introduction of the item under consideration by the Board. I now give the floor to Mr. Yuko Yasunaga, Deputy to the Director-General and Managing Director of the Directorate of Corporate Services and Operations. The floor is yours.

Excuse me, sorry, we have a technical problem with the microphone of Mr.

Yasunaga.

We will get a wireless one in just one minute.

Please bear with us for a minute, then Mr.

Yasunaga will make his intervention.

Apologies for this.

Thank you.

Apologies for this short break for technical reasons. Mr. Yasunaga, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. I'm pleased to refer to Agenda Item 4, Report of the Programme and Budget Committee, including sub-items A to G. First, sub-item 4A, report of the external auditor for 2023. The audit was conducted by the Russian Federation external auditors. First, I would like to express our gratitude to the external auditor of the Russian Federation for the positive engagement with the organization and extend a warm welcome to the accountability state authority of Egypt. Uh, you need to imagine management is I'm sincerely looking forward to productive and close collaboration during their mandates. The recommendations are well noted and management action plans are prepared and being implemented. The Director-General places great importance on the work of the independent oversight bodies and the work of the external auditors. Further efforts are being made, are repelling all the audited observations without delay. The board is requested to take note of the information provided under this sub-item. Next item is sub-item 4B, financial situation of UNIDO including unutilized balance of appropriations. The DG's report on the financial situation of UNIDO underscores The stable and robust financial situation of UNIDO, the budget implementation of both the regular and operational budget, and the mandate are in line with the issued allotments. The collection rate of the assessed contribution is 88.1% as of last Friday, 22nd November. The steady delivery of technical cooperation has ensured the steady implementation of the operational budget. The continuous support of the member states is instrumental. The board is kindly requested to consider and adopt a draft edition submitted by the present owner, Financial Institutions Unit. Next, the item, sub-item, is 4C, budget implementation flexibility. As kindly announced by Madam President, it is still open, but the, the proposal for time-bound, the revitalized of budget implementation flexibility for the biennium 2024 to 2025 is of great importance to the organization for two reasons. Firstly, it would address external auditor's finding that current budget system is quite rigid and does not allow transfer between major objectives of expenditure and between programs.— it is quoted from the IDB 49/3, BBC 37/3, hence not forestalling efforts to find efficiencies. Secondly, it would allow UNIDO to use the resources approved by the Member States efficiently and directly. Also, in an unpredictable global environment such as our experience in COVID period, should there be a need to adjust master plan within the limits of vertical flexibility during the 2024-2025 biennium as a pilot case. The negotiations have continued among the member states through the informal working groups on the program and budget-related matters. The board is kindly requested to consider the draft decision submitted by the President IDB 51/L7 and to adopt the related decision. Next item is 4D, report by the internal IINFORMA Working Group on Programme and Budget Committee-related issues. Since the 40th session of the Programme and Budget Committee in June 2024, the IAWG has held 6 meetings. I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the co-chairs and member states for their active participation in a constructive manner. Next sub-item is 4E, mobilization of financial resources. The report of mobilization of financial resources highlights the strengthened partnership with wide range of stakeholders such as the European Union, the Global Environmental Facility, and the Green Climate Fund, and recent large-scale interventions that is supported by Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, and other member states. We hope to replicate such cases of larger program for further impact, effectiveness, and efficiency. The mobilization of voluntary contribution is paramount to UNIDO's mission of promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development and to support member states in achieving the SDGs. I would like to seize this opportunity to thank you, our member states, UNIDO and our funding partners are for the continued support to this end. The board is kindly invited to take note of the documentation provided under the agenda item and to adopt the related draft decision. And next, the sub-item is 4F, General Risk Management. Given the growing mandate of UNIDO, risk management is a key part to ensure that we deliver our mandate in an appropriate manner. The board is kindly requested to take note of the information contained in the report and to support the continued implementation of the ERM, Enterprise Risk Management, as well as the strategy to secure the information assets of UNIDO. This includes endorsing the proposed actions and priorities outlined in the document. Moreover, the board may wish to take note of the information contained in the conference room paper on the UNIDO Cybersecurity Framework. Uh, final sub-item 4G, updated medium-term investment proposal. Uh, this, the proposal addressed UNIDO's capital investment needs for 2024-2025 biennium, uh, aligned with the program and budget are of the same period. And the medium-term framework, 2022 to 2025, to support digital transformation, we urgently need to modernize our core system, replace our outdated ERP solution, and strengthen IT infrastructure across the organizations. These proposed investments will enable the introduction of new digitalization tools, mitigating significant risks and ensuring a more collaborative environment, robust information security, and improved business continuity. We urge member states to understand the importance of timely support for modernizing our IT infrastructure. The board, the board may wish to note the information in document IDB 52/10 and encourage member states to contribute to the MCIF, Major Capital Investment Fund, initiatives to ensure UNIDO's future resilience and effectiveness. UNIDO appreciates the continuous support of all member states. Thank you very much, Madam President.

Thank you, Didi Chi. Mr. Yasunaga for this introduction. And I have the pleasure to give the floor to the co-chair of the informal working group on Programme and Budget Committee related issues, Ms. Yumi Katsuta, the distinguished representative of Japan, for a brief introduction of the latest report of the working group. You have the floor, Madam.

Madam President, Thank you very much for giving me the floor to introduce the latest report of the informal working group on program and budget committee related issues. In doing so, I would like to thank my colleague and co-chair, Mr. Adil Khan from the PAMNU Mission Pakistan, with whom I shared responsibilities for facilitating the deliberations in the informal working group. I also wish to thank the member states for their active participation and contributions. I also thank the Secretariat for their valuable support in its functioning. Since the 40th session of the Programme and Budget Committee, the IWG has held 6 meetings during which the Working Group discussed the agendas of vertical flexibility and update on financial regulations. The group also met with the representatives of the UNIDO Independent Oversight Advisory Committee discussed the UNIDO budget proposal and unutilized balances with options of how to deal with arrears of former member states, and validate the draft 6-month schedule for the IWG for the period from October to December 2024. The summaries of all our meetings have been included in the update on the report of the Informal Working Group on Programme and Budget Committee related issues in idb.org. 52/CRB.4. As these are both self-explanatory and were previously cleared with member states, I trust that the update does not contain any surprise. As the discussions on the program and budgets await us next year, I am sure that you will be receiving more and more invitations to IWG meetings in 2025. My co-chair and I look forward to your active participation in the coming months. In closing, I am echoing the sentiments of my colleagues in saying that we look forward to continuing to work within this informal framework, which has proven to be a valuable tool for dialogue and deliberations among member states. My co-chair and I wish all delegations fruitful discussions and a successful outcome of this session of the IWG.

IDB.

Thank you, Madam President.

I thank you for your statement, for this introduction rather. And now I have the pleasure to give the floor to the first speaker on my list. And the first speaker is the Group of 77 and China, and the statement will be delivered by the Head of Mission of Colombia, Excellency,

thank you, Madam President.

Good morning. The Group of 77 and China would like to convey its appreciation to Excellency Mr. Ferenc Dáns, Permanent Representative of Hungary and President of the 40th session of the BBC, for the report, and wishes to reiterate the following points. The group takes note of the report of the external auditor on the accounts of the— of UNIDO for the financial year starting from January 1st to December 2023, as contained in document IDB 52-4, PBC 40-4. The group is pleased with the sustained use of the classification system to categorize the findings and recommendations as either critical, high, medium, or low priority in terms of action to be undertaken. We remain of the view that this methodology is a useful tool to make maximum use of UNIDO's limited resources. In this regard, We note that of the new recommendations by external auditor— by the external auditor, one is considered high priority and six are medium priority. Nonetheless, the group encourages the organization to fully implement all these recommendations on an equal basis to further improve efficiency, transparency, and motivation of employees. The group also notes that the number of newly issued recommendations is limited given the significant number of open recommendations from prior years. The group urges UNIDO to prioritize the implementation implementation of these recommendations, in particular developing new technical cooperation guidelines through a clear action plan with specific timelines and designated responsibilities to address and enhance the organization's operational capacity. The group further notes with concern that of the 57 recommendations from prior years that have been validated by the external auditor, only 15 have been implemented, while implementation of the 33 others is ongoing, and 9 have not been implemented at all. We call upon UNIDO to strengthen its efforts to improve its rate of compliance with the recommendations of the external auditor. We urge the organization to continue working on the partially resolved observations and to address the open and ongoing issues in the report, regardless of their identify priority rankings. Regarding the financial situation of UNIDO, the group takes note of the report by the Director General on UNIDO's financial situation as of March 31st, 2024, and values the organization's efforts to manage its financial resources amid, amid global challenges. The group reaffirms its commitment to supporting UNIDO's financial stability. The Group of 77 and China takes note of the report presented by the co-chairs of the informal working group on PBC-related issues. We recognize the valuable role this group plays in facilitating constructive dialogue among member states on budgetary and administrative matters that are critical to the effective functioning of UNIDO. The group would like to emphasize its appreciation of the mandate of the informal working group and believes that it is a valuable platform for both the Secretariat and member states to deliberate debate and explore possible recommendations on important issues, including the program and budgets of UNIDO, and therefore encourages all member states to continue participating in the meetings of the group. Since the last IADB, the informal working group held 13 meetings and discussed important issues, including investment and upgradation of IT, unity, utilize balance of appropriations, personnel matters, increase in TC delivery, full cost recovery, findings and recommendations from EIO, and briefings by OAC. The group remains thankful to the Secretariat and the DG for its support of the informal working group. The Group of 77 and China acknowledges the report provided by the Director-General on the mobilization of financial resources for UNIDO's activities, which, which shows a new record on funds raised in 2023. 3, indicating the organization's capacity to attract financial support. The group notes that safeguarding the environment remains a focus of contributions, contributions with 62% of total funding. Therefore, it encourages governments and multilateral funds to to attribute more towards other main thematic priorities of UNIDO, including advancing economic competitiveness, creating sustainable jobs, meaningfully enhancing technology transfer, and fostering industrialization. Finally, the group supports UNIDO's efforts in expanding partnerships and seeking new financing channels within its mandate to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development, particularly for developing countries. The group encourages UNIDO to remain resolute in developing concrete and result-oriented partnerships partnerships with funding partners and recipient countries to implement effectively CPs and PCPs and enhance cooperation to facilitate global development. Thank you very much, Madam President.

Thank you, Excellency, for your statement on behalf of G77 and China. The next speaker on my Next is the African Group, and the statement will be delivered by Kenya. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. The African Group aligns itself with the statement just delivered now by my dear sister Ambassador Laura Hill on behalf of G77 and China. The group takes this opportunity opportunity to commend the efforts of the chair of the 40th session of the Programme and Budget Committee of UNIDO, His Excellency Ambassador Ferenc Dons, Ambassador and PR of Hungary, as well as his bureau for a sterling job at the session. The group takes note of the report of the PBC and wishes to address remarks on points A, B, D, and E. On the report of the external auditor 2023, the African Group expresses its appreciation to the external auditor for their comprehensive audit of UNIDO for 2023. The group acknowledges that the unmodified auditor's opinion confirms that UNIDO's financial statements are reliable and in accordance with international accounting standards. We also welcome Mr. Ali Hassan Rashwan, Undersecretary at Egypt's Accountability State Authority, as the new external auditor. We trust that his expertise will continue to strengthen UNIDO's governance and operations. The group encourages UNIDO to fully implement implement the recommendations outlined in the 2023 report through a clear action plan with specific timelines and designated responsibilities to address and enhance the organization's operational capacity. The group urges the Secretariat to sustain this momentum to advance UNIDO strategic objectives effectively. The group also urges UNIDO management to prioritize the implementation of developing new technical cooperation guidelines. The group appreciates the increase in assessed contributions, noting a rise to €88.9 million in 2023 from €86.5 million in 2022, reflecting stronger commitment among member states. However, it remains concerned by the outstanding contributions which reached €9.9 million and urges all member states to fulfill their financial commitments in a timely manner to ensure UNIDO's financial stability. While acknowledging the increase in voluntary contributions, which grew from €166.3 million in 2022 to €235.9 million in 2023, the group recognizes the persistent gap between regular and voluntary resources. The group welcomes the establishment of the Innovation and Transformation Fund as a positive step towards financial sustainability and encourages additional initiatives to address this funding gap. Madam President, on the financial situation of UNIDO, including unutilized balances of appropriations, The African Group takes note of the slight decline in the 2024 collection rate of assessed contributions to 21.3%, acknowledging the efforts made in negotiating payment plans with member states. We commend those members who met their obligations on time, contributing positively to UNIDO's financial stability. The group emphasizes the negative impact of delayed contributions on UNIDO's operational capabilities, urging all members to fulfill their obligations promptly. Such payments are essential for maintaining secretariat operations and effectively executing UNIDO's mandate. The group values the DG's outreach to former member to address outstanding areas and encourages expanding efforts to engage all former members, thereby fostering the possibility of rejoining the organization and bolstering its financial base. We strongly encourage UNIDO to enhance its resource mobilization strategies to ensure funding for all current programs.. This would support the organization's operational continuity amid financial uncertainties. Recognizing ongoing efficiency initiatives, including digital transformations and full-cost recovery mechanisms, the Group urges UNIDO to continue optimizing resources while safeguarding core functions.. These measures are pivotal to enhancing organizational effectiveness without compromising essential services. The group calls on UNIDO to periodically review its efficiency measures to identify further improvement areas, especially in resource allocation and digital advancements, ensuring sustained effectiveness across all programs. Madam President, on report of the Informal Working Group on program and budget-related issues, the African Group appreciates the latest report of the IWG on program and budget-related issues, such as presented in document IDB.52/7-PBC.40 2004-7. We extend our gratitude to both the former and current co-chairs for their dedication and leadership in steering the group through complex discussions. Recognizing the essential role of the IWG, the group emphasizes its importance in fostering constructive interaction between the Secretariat and member states on matters of progress. Program and budget. This engagement has been instrumental in addressing the needs and priorities of member states effectively. The group welcomes the IWG's examination of crucial issues such as budgetary flexibility, the transformation of the Special Account of Voluntary Contributions for Co-Activities into the Innovation and Transformation Fund, personnel reforms, measures to enhance UNIDO's operational efficiency. Additionally, we encourage consultative participation in discussions and support the exploration of alternative project support costs for parties that do not contribute to the regular budget, aiming to bolster UNIDO's financial stability amidst global challenges. Madam President, on the— mobilization of financial resources. The African Group underscores the critical importance of adequate, secure, and predictable funding for enabling UNIDO to effectively fulfill its mission and implement its core activities. The increase in funds raised by 44% in 2023, totaling 320 $8.4 million highlights UNIDO's growing capability to secure financial support for its programs. Furthermore, the group urges the Director-General to contribute exploring diverse and innovative funding sources while leading initiatives to maximize the efficient use of existing resources. We commend UNIDO's efforts efforts to expand its funding base by engaging with new sources such as multilateral funds, development finance institutions, and the private sector. The group is optimistic that rebranding the Special Account for Voluntary Contributions for Core Activities as the Innovation and Transformation Fund will drive desired strategic outcomes and maximize UNIDO's revenue. We look forward to updates on the ITF's impact and encourage international community support for its objectives. The African Group welcomes the Programme and Budget Committee's recommendation to develop strategic guidelines on partnerships and resource mobilization. This approach is expected to reinforce UNIDO's funding stability and ensure long-term sustainability. The group notes that safeguarding the environment remains a focus of contributions with 62% of total funding. Therefore, it encourages the governmental donors and multilateral funds to attribute more towards other main thematic priorities of UNIDO, including advancing economic competitiveness, creating sustainable jobs, meaningfully enhancing technology transfer, and fostering industrialization. I thank you, Madam President, and I apologize that this statement has taken a lot longer than you would have wished for.

Thank you.

I thank you for your statement, Excellency. The next speaker inscribed on the list of speakers is the League of Arab States, and the statement will be read out by the Permanent Representative of Sudan. Excellency, you have the floor.

In the name of God, the merciful, the compassionate. Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. In our statement, we would like to endorse that of the G77 on China. And we would like to make the following comments on behalf of the League of Arab States. We take this opportunity to express our thanks to Ambassador Danz of Hungary, who chaired the PBC. And we thank the members of that committee for all of the work done. The League of Arab States UNIDO takes note of the report of the Programme and Budget Committee, and we would like to make the following comments on A, B, and D, sub-items 4A, B, and D. Madam President, we take note of the conclusions of the auditor in their 2023 report. We highlight the importance of the work done by UNIDO And we note the recommendations contained in the 2023 audit report and previous audit reports as regards the effectiveness and efficiency of this organization, also with respect to human resource management. We note the— the fact that there's a low rate of implementation of recommendations and that some recommendations require additional attention, there needs to be a close partnership with the external auditor. This would take the form of cooperation between the external auditor Auditor and internal audit. We call for implementation of the recommendations, particularly when it comes to the guidelines on technical assistance. These have not been updated since 2009. We need to have, therefore, some coordinated action here in order to address this. This and to avoid it having a negative impact on the work of the organization. We take also this opportunity to thank the auditor for all the work done and for the audit carried out in accordance with international audit standards. We welcome the new auditor, Egypt, while thanking also the Russian Federation for the work done during the previous auditor's term of office. We note the efforts made to protect the organization's cash position, and we call for contributions to be paid on time. We welcome the efforts of donors, and notably the Arab donor states. We urge all donors to increase their contributions to UNIDO so as to allow the organization to to extend technical assistance to states and to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development. We call on the Director-General to harness resources from other sources in addition to traditional sources, such as multilateral funds and other sources. And we would urge former members of the organization to rejoin the organization. We welcome the work of the informal group on administrative and budgetary matters. We thank Japan for their current chairmanship, and we thank the previous chairs of that group. It's important to improve constructive action and to carry out our work as effectively as possible. Thank you.

Speaker on my list is the Russian Federation. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson. I will try to be as brief as I can. Although we already spoke on this item during the 40th session of the UNIDO Programme and Budget Committee, we would like to once again thank the organization for having assisted the Audit Chamber of the Russian Federation with its work. We're grateful for the commendation that was consistently and deservedly received by the Audit Chamber and its president, initially Mr. Alexei Kudrin and later Ms. Galina Izotova, who were the external auditors of UNIDO. So these commendations received both from the delegates and the Secretariat. That reputable audit body did indeed do a highly professional job, and we wish every success now to Egypt, which takes over from the Russian audit team, or rather, which took over from the Russian audit team in the middle of this year. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank you for your statement. The next speaker on my list is Algeria. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Algerian delegation would like to welcome the report drawn up by the PBC during the 40th session in June '24 under the chairmanship of Ambassador Frank Denks. And we've already aligned ourselves with the G77 as well as China's statement made on behalf of the Arab groups. And now we would like to say the following in our national capacity. Now, as far as the report drawn up by the auditor for 2023 is concerned, we take good note of it, the report drawn up by the auditor for 2023, and we very much appreciate the efforts made made with a view to drafting this report that we have received. We support the recommendations made by the auditor, and we also attach great importance to speeding up the implementation of recommendations already made with regards to human resources in particular. This work should be continued. Digital transformation needs to be enhanced as well as cybersecurity. And we also should discuss the questions dealt with by the report. As far as project management is concerned, we should stress the recommendations made with regards to quality assurance. We also support the recommendations made with regards to risk management. When it comes to organizational flexibility. We also should respond more efficiently to technological challenges. Planning is important and budgeting needs to be in line with current needs. We also should carry out follow-up action at regular intervals and we should set up efficient work plans to enhance internal governance as well as performance levels overall. We take good note of the report drawn up by the Director-General in this regard, and we reiterate the fact that contributions need to be made in time in order to safeguard the continuity of UNIDO so that UNIDO can achieve its goals and safeguard financial stability. My country The PBC has honored all its obligations, financial obligations. We have paid our dues for 2024. As to the report drawn up by the informal working group on questions relating to the PBC, we very much appreciate the work carried out by the team. That has become an important platform to exchange ideas and discuss a number of important issues with a bearing on the organization. My country supports the conclusions drawn by this group for this year, and we also take note of the questions addressed with regards to the budget as well as programming activities. We also very much appreciate the effort— efforts made by Pakistan and Japan as co-chairs of this group, and we would like to thank them very much for the constructive talks that have taken place during meetings Madam Chair, as to mobilizing resources, we very much appreciate the efforts made by the Director-General. Extra-budgetary funding needs to be mobilized. That's important in terms of its modern— the organizational modernization as far as medium-term planning is concerned. Well, we think that resources should be in line with plans and projects. Efforts must be made to enhance technical cooperation. Global developments need to be supported, and this in line with industrial capacity of countries. As to flexibility, well, the Director-General has made a number of suggestions to enhance budgetary performance levels and management methods. Well, we might reach an agreement in this respect, as was done in other international organizations, provided that this flexibility take place rationally. And as long as this is in line with the objectives of our organization. Thank you very much.

Thank you for your statement. The next speaker on my list is Austria. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair, Excellencies, colleagues. Thank you for giving me the floor. Let me first congratulate you and the other bureau members upon their election. So Austria does not wish to break consensus on this matter. We would like to reiterate our comment under item 4a concerning the report report of the external auditor for 2023. Austria took note of the extensive and detailed report of the external auditor. However, as we stated already at the 40th session of the program and budget committee, it says concerning the buildings management services cost-sharing ratio, quote, furthermore, unexpected major Major repairs and replacements, which are not included in the grid investment plan, will have to be shared by all parties. In the past, such costs were fully absorbed by the Austrian government. Unquote. The information contained in the last sentence is wrong. Therefore, we rejected the last sentence of Para 1 of Annex 3, quote, notes to the financial statement of the Common Fund for Major Repairs and Replacements, MRRF, unquote, on page 118-132. Accordingly, we ask that this be reflected as a footnote in the final report of the 52nd session of the Industrial Parliament Board under item 4A.

Thank you.

I thank you for your statement. I understand that the Secretariat will be in touch to receive a written copy of this statement. This statement will be published along with all statements of this session. A footnote referring to it will also be included in the report under this item. Thank you. This brings me to the next speaker on the list, and that is Egypt. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam President. Egypt aligns itself with the statements of the Group of 77 on China, the African Group, and the Arab Group on the report of the 40th session of the Programme and Budget Committee of UNIDO. As well as the reports of UNIDO Independent Oversight Advisory Committee and the evaluation and internal activities, oversight activities, and would like to add the following remarks in our national capacity. Egypt expresses its appreciation to the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation for their comprehensive audit of UNIDO for the year 2023 and recognizes the unmodified auditor's opinion on UNIDO's financial statements for 2023. Egypt welcomes the constructive engagement of the Secretariat to carry out the recommendations of the external auditors and continues following the observations pertaining to the implementation of previous auditor's recommendations and notes that out of the 57 recommendations from previous of the prior years, only 15 have been implemented, while the implementation of 33 is still ongoing and 9 recommendations have not yet been implemented. Egypt notes that most of the recommendations can be resolved by revising the technical cooperation guidelines and further notes that the initiatives aimed at improving technical cooperation were not always properly managed due to the lack of ownership, and that the absence of a systematic approach to initiative management entails the risk that none of them will be completed. Madam President, Egypt takes note as well of the reports of UNIDO Independent Oversight Advisory Committee, the evaluation and internal oversight activities, as well as the documents entitled The Assurance Review of UNIDO's Internal Governance Mechanisms and the management response annexed to this document. Egypt, Egypt requested the Secretary to expeditiously implement the new recommendations mentioned in the report of the external auditor for the year 2023, continue implementing the previous auditor's recommendations, and thoroughly examine all the external and internal recommendations and implement them accordingly. Madam President, Egypt fully supports the Director-General's endeavors to diversify sources of funding and pursuing innovative sources of financing, and believes that diversification of resources will guarantee the sustainability of the provision of technical cooperation to the developing countries to realize their priorities pertaining to industrial development. Egypt expresses its appreciation to the governmental donors and multilateral funds, particularly the European Union, Montreal Protocol, Global Environment Facility, Canada, China, Italy, Japan, Slovenia, and Switzerland, for their sustainable voluntary contributions to the projects implemented by NEDU to realize inclusive and sustainable industrial development in the developing countries, including Egypt. Egypt notes that safeguarding the environment remains a focus of contribution with 62% of total funding. Therefore, it encourages the governmental donors and multilateral funds to attribute more towards other main thematic priorities of UNIDO, including advancing economic competitiveness, creating sustainable jobs, fostering industrialization and to increase their support for implementing PCP's projects, bearing in mind that these projects are of paramount priority to their respective developing countries and have been identified after extensive studies and discussions at the national level and with UNIDO. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank you for your statement. The next speaker on my list Next is Côte d'Ivoire. Madam, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. We would like to express our gratitude to the auditor for the report which discusses key aspects related to the functioning of the organization. We note with concern, however, the low rate of implementation of the recommendations, particularly when it comes to human resource management. The implementation rate rate is 12% since 2022. The new HR leadership has been in place since 2023. However, it is yet to and must elaborate and implement an effective plan of action to address these shortcomings. We also welcome the efforts by the auditor to have constructive collaboration with the internal auditors. This is crucial to guaranteeing the impact of the recommendations However, in order for the synergy to be effective, we would recommend to UNIDO that it thoroughly analyze the cause of the delays, that it identify the obstacles to implementation processes, and define a detailed plan of action with clear priorities and precise deadlines and responsible persons, and also ensure regular follow-up and assessment in partnership with the internal auditors. Also, it's urgent to update the new guidelines on technical cooperation. This would allow for more effective projects. It would allow to align the organization's priorities with member states' expectations and to enhance its performance in its core activities. Human resource management is a pillar of the cooperation. It requires particular attention. We encourage UNIDO to invest in HR skill development development and to promote proactive talent management. On budget flexibility, Côte d'Ivoire is a firm advocate of budgetary flexibility. It's essential in today's changing global context. Horizontal flexibility allows expenditure to be adjusted depending on income, and vertical flexibility allows internal budgetary flexibility. They're both essential. However, these mechanisms be given a strict framework so as to guarantee transparent management and avoid abuse and misuse of resources. There needs to be rigorous controls put in place for these flexibilities to serve the interests of all member states. By way of conclusion, we encourage UNIDO to prioritize implementation of the auditor's recommendations in order to strengthen management and maximize the impact.

Thank you for your statement.

Thank you.

And the next and last speaker on my list so far under this agenda item is Honduras. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Ambassador, Madam Chair. Honduras aligns itself with the declaration made by Group of the G77 plus China as far as this issue is concerned. For Honduras, mobilizing financial resources resources for middle-income countries is a priority, considering that over the past few years available resources have diminished for our region. And that's why they need to be managed efficiently and transparently. We appeal to the Director-General to redouble efforts so as to attract non-traditional cooperation partners and to support the priorities defined by our government that foresees a plan of action and that requires funding for its implementation. My country is concerned by information provided by the DG's report that resources to finance projects have not increased. While there is an increase of 4% of resources mobilized in 2023, only $32.7 million has been set aside for our region. So that is not enough. For Honduras, it's important that the organization has sufficient, secure, and predictable funding to fulfill its mandate efficiently and to to carry out its fundamental role. The Director-General should know that Honduras is committed to economic transformation as well as industrialization. For this, we require support and the expertise offered by UNIDO. Honduras has gone to great lengths in terms of priorities. We are implementing our industrial policy and program, and this together with the private sector, industry, as well as academia. Nevertheless, we are cooperating— or we appeal to UNITO to make sure that the program activities can be implemented efficiently and not to leave us with a well-structured program only. As far as mobilizing resources is concerned, we would like to stress the following.

Items.

Mobilizing resources should involve climate-related funding, helping us reach goals that help us enhance innovation, opting for sustainable industrialization. And this also allows us to— help us implement commitments under the Paris Agreement. Now, we are also So of course, in favor of specific activities, fragmentation should be avoided. It's important to focus on energy transformation. This is a key issue for the countries in the region. And then of course, we should forge alliances with the private sector, development banks, as well as non-traditional corporation partners, as well as those that are not members of the organization but that are friends of the region. Finally, my My delegation strongly recommends that UNIDO facilitate access to climate-related funding. This would allow UNIDO to implement and set up programs in countries such as Honduras, where development aid has gone down and where climate-related funding is an opportunity to garner additional resources, especially with a view to the fact that we are quite vulnerable to climate change. These have been our comments, and we, of course, take good note of the report drawn up by the Director-General contained in document IDB 52/8. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Excellency, for your statement. If there are no requests for the floor, no more speakers on this item, I would like to ask the Secretary-General if he wishes to comment on the discussion held during the consideration of this item? Mr. Yasunaga, the floor is yours.

Madam President, I was listening to all the interventions and the comments from the distinguished English colleague from the member states, and I found that there are some very serious suggestions about the implementation of the recommendation from external auditors. So we are now in planning and we are now conducting the how to implement many of those suggestions and recommendations from the external auditors. So that, yes, it is true that expanding our activity also needs careful attention that how to coordinate and how to align our activities is in line with the fair considerations which were pointed out, kindly pointed out by external auditors. So that we need to set up a new framework to implement those recommendations.. So, that is my reflection to the comments about the implementation of the recommendation from external auditors.

Thank you.

Thank you, Didi Chi Yasunaga. And can I give the floor now to Ms. Katsuta? Are you ready to intervene?

Thank you.

The floor is yours.

Thank you very much to all the delegates. For expertise and the gratitude to the IWJ's work. We look forward to continue to working with you for the— for next year. Thank you very much.

I thank you for this statement. And if there are no further requests for the floor, I have the pleasure to adjourn the debate on Agenda Item 4. And we will return to this agenda item later in the session solely for the purpose of adopting any decision. We have now reached agenda item 5, UNIDO and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Board has before it a report by the Director-General Director-General on the subject matter contained in Document IDB 52/15, as well as an update on the World Without Hunger Conference contained in Document IDB 52 CRP 13. I would like to remind all delegates that a draft decision has been tabled by Sudan under this agenda item and is being considered At the informal consultations, I would like to invite the Secretariat to provide a brief introduction of the item under consideration by the Board. I give now the floor to Ms. Cecilia Ugaz Estrada, Deputy to the Director-General and Managing Director of the Directorate of Strategic Planning, Programming and Policy. The floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam President. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I'm pleased to refer to the item 5 of the agenda, UNIDO and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In compliance with the General Conference resolutions GC 15/RES 1 and GC 16/RES 2, and in accordance with to the PVC Conclusion 2016/6 and IDB Decision IDB 44/DEC9, subparagraph E and I. This agenda item presents an overview of the participation of the Secretariat in the global debate to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, both within and beyond the United Nations system. The organization is fully committed through its strategic priorities and across all its constitutional functions to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The past year has been a particularly engaging one for the Secretariat, including the participation in the United Nations processes such as the Summit of the Future and the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, among others. The Summit of the Future culminated with the adoption of the Pact for the Future and its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on the Future Generations. These documents will further guide the global community to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda and to ensure a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for all. UNIDO will do its part to advance these objectives. UNIDO recently successfully co-organized with the Government of Ethiopia and the African Union the World Without Hunger Conference in Addis Abeba. A joint UNIDO-FAO study was presented at the conference, which contains specific recommendations for action and gives both organizations clear instructions on what needs to be done to end hunger. UNIDO is particularly called upon to improve infrastructure, build storage and processing capacity, and promote agricultural SMEs. These recommendations are contained in the Addis Abeba Call to Action. The draft decision on the operationalization of the outcomes of the World Without Hunger Conference and the Addis Abeba Call to Action was proposed by the Permanent Mission of Sudan and is being negotiated negotiated in the formal consultations. I could like to thank everybody involved for their active commitment to this important goal and look forward to the outcome of Member States' negotiations. Moving forward, the Secretariat will continue to engage with the broader development community to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda and look forward to the guidance of Member States to advance these goals. Thank you very much, Mrs. President.

Thank you, DDT Ugas Estrada, for this introduction. I have now the pleasure to give the floor to the first speaker on my list, and that's an ad hoc group. The statement will be read out by the Permanent Representative of Belarus, and as this is an talk group, Excellency, I would like you to inform on behalf of who you speak. Thank you very much. You have the floor, Excellency.

Madam President, I have the honor to address the board on behalf of the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Republic of Nicaragua, the State of Palestine, the Russian Federation, the Republic of the Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and my own country, Belarus. We welcome the invaluable contribution of UNIDO to the achievement of SDGs while delivering its mandate to support member states in achieving inclusive and sustainable industrial development as reflected in Goal 9, but also in particular with regard to the Goal 2, to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. We express our continued support to all member states taking necessary steps to eradicate hunger and all forms of malnutrition in order to promote further progress in the implementation of the SDGs. For this purpose, it is essential to ensure access to food for the population, including Inter alia, by securing uninterrupted supply of agricultural equipment, fertilizers, as well as components for its production. Regretfully, as reflected in the UN General Assembly Resolution 78/168 of December 19th, 2023, the world is still far from achieving SDG 2 and responding to the multiple and complex causes of the food crisis. These crises occur in different regions of the world, affect developing countries, especially net food importers, food security and nutrition, and require a comprehensive and coordinated response. The increasing gap between developed and developing countries in agroeconomy and food security requires unhindered extended international cooperation. In this regard, transfer of technology, capacity building, material support, and technical assistance play an essential role in securing sustainable development. The situation is aggravated by the impact of unilateral coercive measures applied by certain states and regional organizations without or beyond authorization of the relevant UN organ., as well as due to the overcompliance of businesses and other stakeholders with such measures. In particular, we express serious concern that these illegitimate and unlawful unilateral coercive measures and trade restrictions inconsistent with the relevant WTO and other multilateral trade rules have direct impact on trade flows and create additional difficulties to the countries in their efforts to eradicate hunger and all forms of malnutrition and ensure food security. Unilateral coercive measures hinder the financing of transactions of major agricultural countries and the implementation of joint projects under the auspices of relevant international organizations, as well as bilateral projects related to food security and aimed at providing providing support for those in need. This includes bans on agricultural cargo handling in the ports of some countries, as well as on transportation assurance, purchase, and warranty maintenance of our agricultural machineries and their spare parts. It also involves the ban on imports of certain sorts of fertilizers by some states, as well as bans on the provision of transit services for for delivery to other countries, equipment and components for their production. We express our serious concern and the categorical rejections of unilateral coercive measures, as they are illegitimate, unlawful, and in contravention of— with the UN Charter and international law principles. Unilateral coercive measures are flagrant interference in the sovereign affairs by the states. Such actions repress multilateralism and the principle of cooperation that underlines the UN activities. We request states to refrain from drawing up a legal and unilateral list, which constitutes an additional unilateral coercive measure and violates fundamental principles of international law. We recall the unanimous support for the UNIDO General Conference Resolution 18/RES.1 and UN General Assembly Resolution 78/329 of September 6, 2024, that in line with reaffirmed commitments to the UN General Assembly Resolution 70/1 of September 25, 2015, strongly urge all member states to refrain from promulgating and applying any unilateral economic financial, or trade measures. UCMs have become an unprecedented and significant violation of international law, international human rights law, and the UN Charter. UCMs impede full achievement of economic and social development, particularly in developing countries, including the achievement of food security. We call upon UNIDO the member states to strongly condemn these destructive unilateral coercive measures and the lack of accountability from those who apply them. We call upon all states, as a step towards eradication of hunger, achievement of food security and improved nutrition, and promotion of sustainable agriculture, neither to recognize these measures nor to apply them, and to take effective administrative or or legislative measures as appropriate to counteract the extraterritorial application or effects of unilateral coercive measures. We commit to facilitate open, fair, non-discriminatory, predictable, and rules-based agriculture, food, and fertilizer trade, refrain from imposing export prohibitions or restrictions in accordance with the respective commitments under relevant international trade laws. We further call upon the Director-General of UNIDO to take every possible measure to preserve the integrity of the organization and its constituencies and to mitigate the adverse impacts of unilateral coercive measures on the ability of countries to achieve the relevant Sustainable Development Goals for ensuring world food security worldwide. Thank you for your candidation.

I thank you for your statement, Excellency. The next speaker on my list is China. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. China appreciates UNIDO's efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and support UNIDO's leading role in advancing Goal 9 and actively promoting other relevant goals. At present, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is seriously lagging behind, and economic globalization is encountering a counter-current. Facing severe tests of rowing against the current and going— or going backwards, it is all the more important for all parties to unite and collaborate to meet global challenges and build a community of human destiny so as to build greater synergy for the common prosperity of the world and a better future for mankind. As the world's largest developing countries and a member of the Global South, China has strengthened mutually beneficial cooperation with all parties through a series of major initiatives and cooperation platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative and global development initiatives, and has sincerely helped developing countries enhance their independent development capacity. And we are sincere in helping developing countries to strengthen their capacity for autonomous development. Recently, at the 19th Summit of the G20 leaders, President Xi Jinping announced China's 8 actions to support global development, as well as practical cooperation among Global South countries in poverty reduction, food security, and digital economy. As a reliable and long-term partner of developing countries, China is ready to continue to strengthen cooperation with member states and relevant agencies through the UNIDO platform and to contribute to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and building a just world for common development.

Thank you.

I thank you for your statement, and the next speaker on my list is Colombia. Excellency, you have the floor.

Señora presidenta.

Madam Chair, thank you very much. Colombia wishes to state the following. We note with concern that despite the commitments reaffirmed by the international community, progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has stalled, or there have even been setbacks. It is vital to emphasize that inclusive and sustainable industrial development contributes directly and indirectly to the SDGs, Sustainable Development Goals. This is confirmed by UNIDO's Industrial Development Report 2024, which, when comparing country data, observes a positive relationship between industrialized— and progress regarding SDGs, from which it follows that SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure is central to achieving the 2030 Agenda by driving, among others, economic growth and job creation. On the other hand, we would like to highlight that UNIDO Colombia made a decisive contribution to the preparation of the report on funding for Sustainable Development 2023, which focused on the issue of financing sustainable transformation. For Colombia, it is essential to promote initiatives to create a more inclusive, representative, and effective global financial governance aimed at an improved debt architecture, which takes into account, for example, access to low-cost environmental and climate-related investment financing. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development must today more than ever be the roadmap guiding collective action of the international community so that no one is left behind. To achieve just, peaceful, and inclusive societies based on the principles of solidarity and international cooperation. Our reindustrialization policy seeks to move from an extractive economy to a knowledge-based economy focused on sustainable development. Transition and the green economy. This includes closing technological gaps, promoting productive linkages for regional and global integration, and strengthening human capacity and high-quality jobs. Madam Chair, through a differentiated approach that prioritizes equity and fairness, Colombia seeks to ensure that public policies promote fair and equitable access to resources and opportunities respecting gender, ethnic, racial, territorial, and environmental justice aspects of particularities. For example, we have a program that seeks to strengthen women's leadership and ensure that they can enjoy economic and financial autonomy. We also have a strategy that seeks to develop and strengthen productivity microbusinesses as well as MSMEs. In conclusion, and in line with what I said before, we'd like to highlight the need to design and implement industrial policies aimed at achieving SDGs. Thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you, Excellency, for your statement. The next speaker on my list This is Argentina. You have the floor, sir.

Madam President, Madam Chair, delegates, esteemed colleagues. Argentina reaffirms that Agenda 2030 should and cannot be the only point of reference for free and independent countries. From our vantage point, imposing a supranational agenda may be well intentioned, but may also limit the sovereignty of states and their full exercise of individual rights that are fundamental pillars for progress and self-determination of our peoples. We are firmly committed to protecting individual rights of all human beings without any distinction, in line with obligations that Argentina has gone in for under international treaties that we have acceded to. Agenda 2030 includes provisions that are not legally binding— we'd like to stress that— allowing every country to exercise its right to sovereignty and to interpret and apply it in line with national priorities and fundamental values. We should also highlight that in September during the Future Summit that took place in New York, the Republic of Argentina took its distance from the Future Pact. This is the document underlying Agenda 23. Because we are convinced that free nations should maintain freedom when it comes to determining their own pathways towards development, respectful of their specific context, capacities, and Ambassador Lys, thank you.

I thank you for your statement. The next speaker on my list is Thailand. Madam, you have the floor.

Madam President, Thailand takes note of the information contained in Document IDB 52, slide 15, and commends UNIDO's efforts in advancing sustainable industrial development. We recognize the crucial role of industry in driving economic growth, innovation, and progress toward achieving SDG 9 and other related goals. Thailand takes note of the inputs from the IDB for High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2024 that emphasize urgent need to promote sustainable agri-food systems, eradicate poverty, and achieve food security for all, to advance industrial decarbonization and climate action in industry and to foster local productive capacities and sustainable and resilient supply chains. It also highlights the need for SDG-oriented industrial policies to support these efforts. Thailand emphasized the need for strengthened partnerships to accelerate the implementation of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to turn SDGs into reality, including by addressing financial gaps reducing inequality, and building strong societies. Therefore, Thailand encourages UNIDO to further strengthen its collaborations with other United Nations agencies, international financial institutions, international development agencies, and intergovernmental organizations to maximize impact of its projects and programs. By strengthening its technical expertise and competence, UNIDO can create synergy SDGs with these partners to initiate large-scale projects and mobilize additional resources. Madam President, Thailand has developed a comprehensive SDGs roadmap to advance implementation of the SDGs in alignment with its 20-year national strategy based on locally driven sufficiency economic philosophy and the bio-circular green economy model. In this regard, Thailand is committed to continue expand our partnership with UDIDO in the following areas. First, promotion of renewable energy usage and improve energy efficiency across industries, contributing to SDGs 6 and 9. Second, transformation of traditional industry into smart enterprise driven by innovation, creativity, and green technologies to enhance competitiveness, create high, high-quality jobs, and promote sustainable industrialization., contributing to SDG 8 and 9. Third, promotion of sustainable production and consumption, contributing to SDG 12. And finally, promotion of green and climate resilient industry with integrated mitigation and adaptation measures, contributing to SDG 13. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank you for your statement. And the last speaker on my list under this agenda Next item is Pakistan. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam President. In the interest of time, our statement on this agenda item would also include comments on agenda item 8A and 8B as well. We take note of the Director-General's report on UNIDO and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development contained in document IDB.52/15 and UNIDO's activities related to circular economy contained in document IDB 52/16, update on the development of the action plan for the implementation of the UNIDO climate change strategy contained in document IDB.52/17. Madam President, our progress towards the 2030 Agenda has faced multiple challenges, which includes the COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, wars, and global inflation. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022 2024 confirms that the world is still significantly off track in implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It is important to note that nearly half of the SDG targets have deviated from the required trajectory, and around 17% are regressing below the 2015 baseline. We note with concern that progress has either stagnated or reversed on several key indicators despite reaffirmed commitments by the international community. Developing countries face increasing challenges to keep pace with global industrial development, and we note with concern that several UNIDO member states face industrial stagnation, while few member states are confronted with deindustrialization in certain sectors. Madam President, inclusive and sustainable industrial development, the core mandate of UNIDO, contributes directly and indirectly to several SDGs. While SDG 9, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, is directly related to UNIDO's work, we also note UNIDO's important role in SDG 1, No Poverty, 2, Zero Hunger, 13, Climate Action. We concur with the Director-General's remarks that industry is part of the solution and we need to decouple industrial development with carbon emissions. UNIDO's work towards green and innovative technologies is therefore a step in the right direction. Madam President, we highly appreciate UNIDO's role in reducing hunger and malnutrition, which remain amongst the most vital challenges facing humanity and food security, and remains an important concern of the developing world. UNIDO's cooperation with FAO, IEA, and other organizations and events like World Without Hunger Conference held at announced earlier this month are commendable steps of UNIDO. Moreover, the exponential growth of population in developing world could lead to poverty and hunger. Industry could tackle the issue by providing jobs which can help in alleviating hunger and poverty. Madam President, we appreciate the Director-General and the Secretariat for preparing UNIDO's climate change strategy and their efforts for preparing an action plan of the same. Vision 2050 is a shared vision of all UNIDO member states. We appreciate the ongoing dialogue on the action plan and are confident that the action plan will be responsive to the diverse needs and priorities of member states, with measurable indicators and targets to operationalize the implementation of strategy at the earliest possible. In this regard, we would like to make the following few points. Number 1, UNIDO has a pivotal role not only for industrial development but for achieving the SDGs. Number 2, while North-South collaboration and transfer of technology is essential, we must also focus on South-South and triangular cooperation. And third, climate change and achieving SDGs remains our highest priority. However, in doing so, we must keep our focus on development of primary, secondary, and tertiary industries, which employ a vast majority of the workforce and still remain the backbone of economy of developing countries. Madam President, in conclusion, we remain confident that UNIDO will continue to play its positive role towards achieving the SDGs as per the requirements and expectations of the member states. With these remarks, we take note of documents IDB 52/15, IDB 52/16, and IDB 52/17 2/17. I thank you.

I thank you for your statement. I have no more speakers on the list of speakers. Can I ask if anybody would like to ask for the floor?

No?

Then let me turn to the secretariat. Didi G, would you like to add? So, Didi G, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. I thank all the distinguished delegates for their statements on this item and for the support expressed in your interventions. We take note of your concerns on the slow progress shown on the advancement towards the SDGs and on the importance of the industrialization and SDG 9 towards the broader achievement of Agenda 2030. We take note of the momentum for member states on the follow-up to the World Without Hunger conference and its call to action in support of the 2030 Agenda through the lens of agro-industrialization and food security. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support towards UNIDO's mandate, and thank you for your comments. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, the TU Graz Estrada. If there are no further requests for the floor, I have the pleasure to adjourn the debate on agenda item 5. And we will return to this item later in the session solely for the purpose for adopting any decision.

Thank you.

So this brings us to Item 6. I now invite you to take up this agenda item on the United Nations Development System reform. The Board has before it a report of the Director-General contained in Document IDB 5212. I would like to invite the Secretariat to provide a brief introduction of the item under consideration by the Board. I now give the floor to Ms. Cecilia Ugaz Estrada, Deputy to the Director-General and Managing Director of the Directorate of Strategic Planning, Programming and Policy. The floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam President. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues. I'm very pleased to refer to the Item 6 on the United Nations Development System reform of the 52nd session of the Industrial Development Development Board. For its 46th session, Decision IDB 46/DEC12, the Board requested UNIDO to regularly report on UN Development System reform-related matters to its governing bodies. In this regard, the report of the Director-General from April 2024, which was also presented at the PBC40 this June, presents developments and progress on UNIDO's contribution to the United Nations Development System reform. As part of the UN family, UNIDO is fully committed to the UN reform process and has been supporting its various components from the outset. In order to seize the opportunities of the reform and increase the impact of UNIDO's services to our Member States, we have made efforts to empower our field offices, adjust our field structure, and strengthen our engagement at the country level. I would like to particularly highlight the increased engagement with the UN Resident Coordinators and in the UN Country Teams worldwide, including in locations where we don't have physical presence. We are currently contributing to 105 UN cooperation frameworks and are actively engaged in 110 United Nations Nations country teams around the world. We have also increased joint interventions and programming with our sister UN entities from 170 to 2,237 in 2023. All of this demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the UN collective response to national priorities, especially in the economic dimension of sustainable development, given our specialized mandate. However, as you know, industrial development and the SDG 9 is closely interlinked with many other SDGs and contributes to addressing some of the most pressing development challenges, including ending hunger, advancing clean energy and climate action, and fostering sustainable supply chains. With respect to the funding, you need received $890,149 from our funding partner through administration of the 1% coordination levy, which was transferred to the United Nations Secretariat. We are of course continuing to provide, to provide our contribution to the United Nations Resident Coordinator System according to the cost-sharing formula. In 2024, our contribution to contributed to the UN SDGs through cost sharing was $2.24 million. This amount is foreseen to remain unchanged in 2025. In case of a review of the approach, UNIDO will ensure to engage in consultations with our United Nations Development System partners with the objective to reach a fair deal for the organization. UNIDO also contributes to the system-wide reporting, UNINFO, on 4 of our IRPF indicators, mainly through the UN SDG data portal. In addition, we provide data for the UN SDG Output Indicator Framework. I would like to provide a few additional examples of UNIDO's contribution to the implementation of the United Nations Development System reform. In the efficiency agenda, being part of the Business Innovation Group allowed us to optimize our operations, maximizing efficiency gains and cost savings across cross-service functions. A notable achievement is that 61% of UNIDO's field offices are now co-located in common premises, fulfilling the co-location target. Our involvement in the business operation strategy, BOS, led to cost savings of approximately $300,000 in 2023. In the spirit of reinvigorating an inclusive UN Resident Coordinator system, I'm also pleased to highlight that one UNIDO staff is serving as UN Resident Coordinator based in Bahrain. Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, UNIDO will continue to work closely with our Member States and partners across the UN system and beyond to advance our common development goals. We are following the preparation of the new resolution of the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review of Operational Activities for Development of the United Nations System, the QCPR. We look forward to contributing to its implementation. We look forward I look forward to continuing to work with you and our UN partners to deliver on the ambitious— on the ambition of the reform. Thank you.

Thank you, Didi Tew Gassestrader, for this introduction. Is there any delegation that would like to take the floor, as I have no speakers on the list so far? If there's no request for the floor, I have the pleasure to adjourn the debate on agenda item 6 and will return to this item later in the session solely for the purpose of adopting any decision. Okay, we proceed like that. This brings us to item 7. I now invite you to take up agenda item 7, Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa. The Board has before it a report by the Director-General contained in Document IDB 52/11. This should be considered in conjunction with the information on IDDA3 initiatives contained in the Annual Report of UNIDO 2023 and the United Nations General General Assembly's note by the Secretary-General on IDDA 3. I would like to invite the Secretariat to provide a brief introduction of the item under consideration by the Board. I now give the floor to Ms. Fatou Haidara, Deputy to the Director-General and Managing Director of the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations. Congratulations. The floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. I'm very pleased to introduce the item on the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa, IDDA3. Since the adoption of the IDDA3 resolution by the United Nations General Assembly in 2016. It has been a platform for UNIDO in supporting our industrial development mandate in Africa while also advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. The recent independent strategic evaluation of IDDA3, which was commissioned by UNIDO and the African Union, highlighted highlighted important achievements over the decade. Among its findings was that IDDA3 has significantly contributed to raising political commitment and building strong partnerships for Africa's industrialization. With IDDA3 set to conclude in July 2023, UNIDO and our partners held the last high-level event under the decade in New York this September. The over 200 dignitaries and policymakers participating in the event, including His Excellency the Permanent Representative of Kenya representing the Africa Group, reaffirmed their commitment to Africa's industrial agenda and advocated launching IDDA4 to strengthen industrial growth and resilience. Against this background and at the request of the African Union Commission, UNIDO is working towards the establishment of IDDA4. Looking ahead, the IDDA3 evaluation also provided a set of key recommendations for the successor initiative. This includes enhanced African ownership, strengthened technical support, financial commitments, and a more focused programmatic approach. Recommendations, of course, will be fully integrated for the planning phase onward. In this context, to support the member states in the preparatory work of IDDA4 would be invaluable. The mobilization of adequate financing is another challenge which the evaluation identified and for which we count on— we count count on your support to resolve. We look forward to your feedback on this agenda item and to see you for your support to IDDA4. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Didi Chi Haidara, for this introduction. And I now give the floor to the first speaker on my list, which is the Group of Seven— G7— which is Group 77 and China. The statement will be read out by the Chair, Colombia. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. The Group of 77 and China takes note of the report on the third industrial development decade for Africa as contained in Document PBC 40-11, which highlights the progress made in the implementation of IDDA3. The Group encourages the Director-General to continue engaging with Member States with a view to elaborate the action plan for the implementation of the UNIDO Africa Strategy 2023-2025 and to allocate necessary funding to this end. The Group welcomes UNIDO's commitment to enhancing the technological and industrial capabilities of African countries in harnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, focusing on digital transformation, innovation, and artificial intelligence. The group further appreciates UNIDO's essential support in meaningfully enhancing technology transfer, knowledge dissemination, and skills development. This includes a strong emphasis on education and training programs tailored for the needs and priorities of African women and youth, utilizing UNIDO's expertise to help create a more inclusive and technologically advanced industrial environment. Madam President, the group welcomes the adoption of the 10th Ministerial Declaration of the Least Developed Countries in November 2023 and supports UNIDO in consulting with member states to develop the implementation— to the implementation plan to to expedite the operational strategy for LDCs 2022-2031 in synergy with the UNIDO strategy for Africa 2023-2025 and other relevant frameworks to foster global solidarity and cooperation. The group acknowledges the pivotal role of UNIDO's strategy for post-conflict crisis situations in post-conflict recovery, including early recovery, reconstruction, and transition to development programs aiming to strengthen foundations for long-lasting peace and prosperity through inclusive and sustainable industrial development. The group stresses stresses the importance of enhancing the implementation of the 2021-2025 Work Plan and developing a new work plan in consultation with Member States and other relevant UN development system members and partners within their respective mandates, including through creating partnerships for effective responses and tailored, integrated integrated service packages for each member state's needs and priorities. The group takes note that in 2023, UNIDO implemented over 271 projects in Africa with a total funding of $55.7 million, representing a decrease compared to the $63.3 million allocated in 2022, excluding inter-regional and global portfolios. These projects were carried out under the framework of the Programme for Country Partnerships and Country Programmes. The Group urges UNIDO to align its efforts with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to enhance economic development in Africa. This includes promoting systemic resilience through localized manufacturing, enhancing energy efficiency with sustainable alternatives, and advancing green technologies. The group also emphasizes the importance of harmonizing standards strengthening national human capacities to address challenges effectively, supporting regional economic integration and sustainable development. The group takes note of the independent strategic evaluation for the IDTA III 2016-2025 undertaken by the Office Office of Evaluation and Internal Oversight, and calls upon UNIDO to implement the recommendation stipulated therein to address the challenges that face IDDA implementation, including a lack of effective coordination, weak knowledge management, and limited funding. The group further requests UNIDO to work in tandem with the African Union Commission and other relevant African stakeholders on developing IDDA 4. Considering the imminent end of the designated term for IDDA 3, the group emphasizes a critical need for the complete execution of the— of the IDDA3 Joint Roadmap and to ensure the full recruitment of the Secretariat of IDDA3. The group is confident that the Secretariat of IDDA3 will take necessary measures towards an enhanced coordinated role in the implementation of this roadmap. The Group urges UNIDO to maintain its cooperation with Member States, other United Nations entities, intergovernmental organizations, strategic development partners, and development finance institutions to facilitate the achievement of the IDDA 3 objectives: sustaining collaborative efforts between UNIDO and the African Union are essential for enhancing technical skills and policy expertise, which are necessary for the development and implementation of regional industrial strategies. The group welcomes the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September 2024. Witnessed by UNIDO and the outcome documents, the Beijing Declaration and the Action Plan. The group supports UNIDO's efforts in promoting the establishment of the Demonstration Center for China-Africa cooperation, UN cooperation, and encourages UNIDO to make full use of the center to help create a more inclusive and technologically advanced industrial environment and thus advance the modernization in Africa. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Excellency, for your— for your statement. The next speaker on my list is the African Group, and I give the floor to Kenya.

Excellency, you Thank you, Madam President. The African Group aligns itself with the statement strongly and ably delivered by my sister Ambassador Hill on behalf of G77 and China. I would like to add the following remarks. The African Group acknowledges— and by the way, maybe before I go, I want to also acknowledge through you, Madam President, that yes, I was present at the event in New York, and I must say it was very well attended. The conversation was very rich and enriching, you know, very high-level presentation from Africa and other places, the Prime Minister of Uganda among other dignitaries. So kudos to you, Nido, and kudos to you, Madam Fatou. The African The African Group acknowledges the DG's report on the IDDA3 as presented in document number IDB.52/11-PBC.40/11, which provides a comprehensive update on IDDA3's progress. The Group strongly urges UNIDO to include activity from all African member states, ensuring a thorough representation of efforts across the continent. The group reaffirms its commitment to UNIDO as mandated by the UN General Assembly to lead the implementation of IDDA3's priorities. It commends the achievement through technical assistance, collaborative partnerships, global forums, advocacy efforts, and normative initiative supporting Africa's industrialization. The group appreciates that in 2023, UNIDO implemented over 271 projects across Africa totaling $55.7 million. These projects under the program for country partnerships and country programs span key sectors such as agribusiness, trade, capacity building, entrepreneurship, special economic zones, renewable energy, and technology transfer. The group urges UNIDO to extend the reach of the PCPs and CPs to additional member states upon request, as this expansion is essential for inclusive and sustainable development across Africa. The group also stresses need for mobilizing additional resources for these ongoing programs. The African Group acknowledges UNIDO's collaboration with the African Union Commission and other stakeholders in organizing the 17th Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly on Africa's Industrialization and Economic Diversification in Niamey, Niger, in November 2022. The group commends the development of an action plan from this session and encourages UNIDO to continue mobilizing partners to implement the action plan under IDDA 3. In line with recent strategic advancements, the group encourages UNIDO to further enhance its operational strategies to maximize the impact of its programs. It commends the adoption of the UNIDO Africa Strategy 2023-2025 and encourages continued collaboration with member states to refine and implement this strategy effectively, emphasizing a clear action plan and sufficient funding to achieve industrialization goals across the continent. The group also urges UNIDO to align the UNIDO Africa Strategy with with the draft strategy for least developed countries introduced at the 5th UNLDC conference in Doha in March 2023 to avoid overlap and ensure coherence in industrial development efforts. Additionally, the group calls on UNIDO in collaboration with member states to formulate strategies that align IDDA3 deliverables deliverables with the African Continental Free Trade Area, emphasizing local manufacturing, regional supply chains, green technology, standards harmonization, and capacity building, will help drive industrial transformation across Africa. The group emphasizes the need for a fully operational IDDA3 Secretariat to facilitate comprehensive execution of IDDA3. A fully resourced Secretariat with regular engagement with Member States is critical for successful implementation planning. The Group calls on UNIDOOR to strengthen collaboration with Member States, development partners, and relevant UN agencies to support IDDA3 implementation. BA3's objectives: enhanced cooperation with the African Union will build technical expertise and policy knowledge, advancing sustainable industrial development across the continent. The group supports the 10th Ministerial Declaration of the Least Developed Countries adopted in November 2023 and urges UNIDO to expedite an implementation plan in consultation with member states, fostering synergy with the UNIDO Strategy for Africa 2023-2025 to encourage global solidarity and cooperation. The group acknowledges the role of UNIDO Strategy for Post-Conflict and Crisis Situations in early recovery and sustainable peacebuilding. Through industrial development. It urges enhanced implementation of the 2021-2025 work plan in collaboration with development partners. The group requests that the DG provide updates at the 52nd IADB Board Session and the 21st General Conference in December 2025, and encourages aligning the Africa Strategy with the and post-conflict strategies to ensure coherence. The African Group commends UNIDO's leadership in advancing Africa's industrialization agenda through high-level events, including the IDDA3 event at the 79th UN General Assembly, which emphasized industrial skills development across Africa. With IDDA3's time approaching its end, The group stresses the urgency of fully implementing the joint roadmap and ensuring a fully staffed secretariat. Active engagement with member states is crucial for successful planning and implementation. The group takes note of the independent strategic evaluation for IDDA 3, 2016-2025, undertaken by the Office of Evaluation and internal oversight and calls upon UNIDO to implement the recommendations stipulated therein to address the challenges that IDDA 3 faced in terms of implement— implementation, including a lack of effective coordination, weak knowledge management, and limited funding. The group further requests UNIDO to work in tandem with the African Union Commission and other relevant African stakeholders to study the feasibility of developing IDDA 4. In conclusion, Madam President, the Group reiterates its support for UNIDO's IDDA 3 initiatives and calls on all Member States and partners to intensify their support for UNIDO's efforts to achieve IDDA 3's ambitious goals. I thank you.

Thank you, Excellency, for your statement. The next speaker on my list is the European Union. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Let me also greet and thank Deputy Director General Hajdara for her statement and her good work. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. The following countries align themselves with this statement: North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Armenia. The European Union is strongly attached to its partnership with Africa. We look forward to further reinforcing relations and expanding cooperation in all its dimensions at the upcoming EU-African Union Summit in 2025. It will mark 25 years years since the beginning of our partnership in Cairo in 2000. President-elect von der Leyen's political orientations for the next European Commission, 2024-2029, already stressed the importance of creating a new momentum in our partnership with Africa, including through EU Global Gateway investments. Indeed, actionable solutions and investment opportunities were discussed as— as recently as last week with UNIDO, the African Union, and African partners during the Africa Industrialization Days in Brussels. UNIDO plays a vital role in advancing our shared objectives, particularly to accelerate Africa's industrialization. This is crucial to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, reduce poverty, increase food security, and create create jobs, particularly for youth and women. Africa has enormous potential for industrialization, and with UNIDO support, we can successfully promote economic diversification, develop essential infrastructure, and enhance skills that lead to decent employment. For decades, the EU has partnered with UNIDO, African countries, and regional and continental organizations to drive Africa's development. The EU is the largest contributor to UNIDO's technical cooperation portfolio in Africa for 2017 to 2023. In 2024, 60% of the EU's voluntary contributions to UNIDO, worth €216 million, are supporting projects in Africa aligned with national, regional, and continental strategies and programs for country Partnerships, or PCPs. The EU supports UNIDO's programs that create decent jobs in productive sectors by aligning skills with investment and trade opportunities, building sustainable supply chains, and promoting compliance with international norms and standards. These programs also support the circular economy and sustainable energy consumption, integrating African economies into regional and global markets through inclusive, environmentally responsible, and resilient growth. The African Continental Free Trade Area represents an unprecedented achievement toward— towards realizing Africa's full economic potential and integration. The EU supports this initiative with a €205 million contribution to the Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Program, which will be implemented by UNIDO and the International Trade Center in Geneva. This program will enhance the competitiveness of African SMEs and their access to regional and European Union markets. Additionally, Team Europe recently pledged €1.1 billion to advance African economic integration under the— this framework. Furthermore, in collaboration with UNIDO, the EU and Egypt recently launched a project to support trade, industry growth, and rapid market access. It's also called TIGARA, an €8 million initiative to bolster the industrial policy framework, upgrade critical infrastructure, and enhance SME competitiveness. Also this year, the EU and UNIDO initiated two projects in Nigeria, advancing agro-industry power and circular economy practices with a combined €9 million investment. Madam President, these examples demonstrate that the European Union remains firmly committed to taking forward our partnership with Africa as called for in the Pact for the Future. UNIDO has been instrumental in advancing the third industrial development decade for Africa, fostering partnerships, coordinating various initiatives, and delivering impactful projects. We look forward to the upcoming discussions on a fourth industrial development decade for Africa, and we will remain at Africa's side in this joint undertaking. I thank you for your attention, Madam President.

Thank you, Excellency, for your statement. The next speaker on my list is China. Madam, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. China takes note of UNIDO's active participation in IDDA3 to help Africa accelerate development in sectors such as agribusiness, trade capacity, circular economy. China has always supported UNIDO's implementation of IDDA3 through concrete actions by contributing personnel, sharing experience, and providing financial contributions. China actively supported UNIDO's efforts to implement PCP, which is currently in place in 10 African countries and which has played an important role in supporting ISDS in Africa. We call upon more member states to provide financial support to PCP. We look forward to better proposals from the Secretariat to optimize PCP so that it could play a more prominent role. China's support to industrial development in Africa is an important part of South-South cooperation. Through China's 8 major actions and 9 projects in Africa, China comprehensively strengthened its cooperation in Africa and achieved fruitful results in 2023. Trade volume between China and Africa hit a record high. China's investment development in Africa increased steadily. Infrastructure cooperation between China and Africa achieved significant results with a number of milestone projects as well as more and smart projects driving local economic and social development. Our cooperation in new and emerging areas helped bridge development gaps. At the 4CAC held in Beijing last September, China and Africa's relationship has been elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with shared future in the new era. The 10 partnership actions announced by President Xi Jinping to drive forward Africa's modernization will provide further guidance to China-Africa cooperation. China-Africa UN Center of Excellence, which is an important outcome of the 4PAC, was inaugurated during the World Without Hunger Conference at the beginning of November. China stands ready to strengthen its cooperation with UNIDO and African countries to leverage this center to drive forward Africa's industrial development. China stands ready to work together with UNIDO and all parties, engage in practical cooperation, pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, actively implement the Global Development Initiative so as to help African countries achieve modernization as soon as possible. Thank you.

I thank you for your statement. The next speaker on my list is Japan. Madam, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, and thank you for your statement. The Deputy to the Director General, Ms. Haidara. Japan takes note of the report by the Director General, IDB 52/11, on the annual update on the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa, IDDA3. We expect UNIDO to actively promote IDDA3 for the remainder of its period and reaffirm our support of the organization's leading role in its implementation. We also expect UNIDO to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the results. The 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development, TICAD 9, will be held in Yokohama next year. We appreciate UNIDO's active participation in the TICAD Ministerial Meeting meeting held in Tokyo, as well as the investment and business seminars organized by IDPO Tokyo as TICAD 9 partner projects to boost the spirit of the coming TICAD 9. We look forward to continuing the collaboration with Yonido to forge better synergies between IDDA3 and the TICAD process. During the In recent years, we have funded projects in the area of improving food value chains, job creation through skills development, and promoting sustainable plastic value chains in Cameroon, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Egypt, and Nigeria. Furthermore, we have funded inter-regional projects that promote climate innovation and partnerships to advance the decarbonization of society. The first project began in Kenya, and we are expanding, expanding the participating countries with a special focus on Africa, Asia, and Middle East. One of Japan's particular strengths is the provision of effective and innovative technological solutions developed by Japanese companies. As an example, IDPO Tokyo is implementing the industrial vocational training programs in Ethiopia, Morocco, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya. The participating companies were chosen from those that registered their technologies through IDPO Tokyo's Sustainable Technology IDPO Promotion Platform STEP, a sophisticated database launched in 2010 containing Japanese technologies selected for their developmental potential. We expect these IDPO Tokyo's programs to generate synergies with our new projects in the Global South, leading to new business development opportunities for companies there in collaboration with the Japanese counterparts. In conclusion, we look forward to fostering more cooperation with UNIDO in Africa in order to promote ISID in the region.

Thank you.

I thank you for your statement. The next speaker on my list is the Russian Federation. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam President. We would like to commend and support the organization's activities in Africa. We call for continued development of activities in this sphere. The Russian Federation attaches particular importance to strengthening our traditionally friendly relations with the African states. These are based not— or rather, these are based on building and developing and strengthening mutually beneficial intergovernmental ties and have nothing to do with new colonial ambitions. We are united in our striving for a fair, multipolar global order built on genuine equality and the rule of international law, free of all forms of discrimination, dictates, and sanction pressure. We emphasize that expanding cooperation at all levels continues to be one of the Russian Federation's foreign policy priorities. We intend to continue building together on the outcomes of the second Russia-Africa 2023 summit and economic African Humanitarian Forum and in the framework of the Russian-Africa Forum Plan of Action for 2023 to 2026. We note with satisfaction that the pace set by the two previous summits has allowed us to expand our ties swiftly. Progress is observable across the board. We provide free of charge aid to African countries. In 2023 to 2024, the Russian Federation shipped 200,000 tons of grain to Somalia, Central African Republic, Zimbabwe, and Eritrea free of charge. These are the countries that are most at need, according to the UN. We also sent fertilizer to Malawi and Kenya. There's been a significant qualitative and quantitative increase in contacts at the very highest ministerial and other levels. Trade and economic cooperation are expanding. In 2023, trade reached an historic maximum of $24.5 billion, and But it's by no means where it will stop. We will continue improving mechanisms to support business. We will continue finding effective logistical solutions, and we will continue putting in place new mechanisms for effecting payments that cannot be subjected to harmful external interference. We are also fostering the development of humanitarian and industrial ties and training and capacity building activities too, including in industry. In that connection, we would like to underscore once again that UNIDO's efforts are of great importance to the industrial development of Africa. We hope the organization will continue helping raise living standards in Africa and give impetus to efforts to address the region's main problems.

Thank you, Madam Thank you for your statement. The next speaker on my list is Italy. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you, President, and thanks to Lady Giadara for her remarks and especially her commitment. Italy fully aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union on this agenda item and wish to add some comments in my name. Our national capacity. For Italy, Africa is a cornerstone of our foreign policy. Our commitment is reflected in several initiatives, such as, last but not least, Piano Mattei, or Mattei Plan, which aims to foster mutual beneficial and fair partnership. During our G7 presidency, we have been consistently prioritizing Africa's development, championing its economic growth, regional security and social political stability with specific instruments together with the African partners, IFEs, international organizations like UNIDO, and private stakeholders. Moreover, the European Union has already made very clear our common engagement through specific joint projects, Team Europe Initiative and Global Gateway. Furthermore, we are committed to global programs such as the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty launched under the Brazilian presidency of the G20 in Rio de Janeiro. And in this context, we recall the Apulia Food System Initiative announced by G7 Leaders Summit in June 2024. Synergies between different initiatives are of the essence to cope with this global challenge, or in general global challenge, such as, for example, food security. I have already mentioned in my yesterday's statement the launching of the Group of Friends of Food Security, which Italy is co-chairing with Sudan, as a valid means to foster the discussion towards food security, agro-industrial development, food system sustainability, and climate change. President, our partnership with UNIDO reflects our commitment to support the industrialization of Africa. Nearly 70% of the Italian resources channeled through UNIDO is directed 2 initiative across Africa. One of our key projects is the Sustainable Coffee Supply Chain Initiative, vital for the economic and social well-being of coffee production and producing nations. Italy has proposed creating a global public-private fund to support the coffee industry, and some of the most important Italian companies of the coffee sector are active partners in this regional project. The innovative approach of this initiative has been also highlighted at the World Without Hunger Conference in Addis Ababa, conference that we highly valued. Assessing IDDA3, we recognize the achievement made, yet we acknowledge that we could achieve more. As stated in the report, IDDA3 has made important contributions to inclusive and sustainable industrial development, but its full potential has not been fully exploited. It's an important challenge to meet, and you can count on Italy to be part of it. Looking ahead to the 4th Industrial Development Decade, IDDA4, Italy stands ready to collaborate with UNIDO and all partners in shaping its strategy. Italy remains dedicated to supporting this process, working with the organization, the global partners to ensure a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for Africa. Thank you, President.

Thank you, Excellency, for your statement. The next speaker on my list is Türkiye. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Chair. Türkiye has shown a strong determination to launch a close close partnership with Africa since the early 2000s, which led to a strong partnership today. In 2005, Türkiye was granted observer status in the African Union, and in 2008, we were declared as a strategic partner. Since then, we organized 3 Turkey-Africa Partnership Summits in Istanbul and Malabo. We held the 3rd Ministerial Review Conference in Djibouti nearly 3 weeks ago. Türkiye continues to invest invest heavily in the continent with its political, economic, social, security, and humanitarian capabilities. Turkey continues to, to, to increase its trade volume. Our trade volume with the whole continent exceeded $35 billion by the end of 2023, which we hope will raise to $50 billion in the near future. Turkey's foreign direct investments in the continent exceed $10 billion. As we have 45 embassies in Africa, we're happy to witness that Ankara became a hub for African diplomatic corps with 38 African embassies. We also attach special importance to, to our humanitarian ties with the continent. Turkey continues to contribute to peace and stability and economic and social development in Africa through our public institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Since the establishment of our strategic partnership with African Union, with African Union, Turkey's official development assistance to the African continent, calculated under the OECD standards, has exceeded $2.5 billion USD as of 2022. Turkey maintained, maintained, maintains its development and humanitarian activities across the whole continent in solidarity with African people. And as our official institution for development cooperation, TICA undertakes numerous projects with its 22 offices in Africa. Between 1992 and 2023, TICA completed nearly 7,000 projects and activities in the continent. The basis of a formal cooperation between UNIDO and Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, TCCA, was forged with the cooperation agreement which dates back to the— date back to 2008. The Memorandum of Understanding and also the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016. Sorry. These agreements which establish a framework for enhanced cooperation should be utilized to promote Africa's well-being with the aim of increasing the number of joint technical cooperation projects. We value INIDO's strategic vision for Africa, which is poised to play a considerable role in advancing Sustainable Development Goals. Successful partnerships significantly contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. INIDO can further enhance its contribution to the SDGs by fostering deeper collaboration with other UN entities and by leveraging its expertise and resources. Strengthened engagement and collaboration between INIDO and key development partners such as the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries will significantly bolster efforts to bridge the global digital divide, particularly in Africa. Thank you.

I thank you for your statement. The next speaker on my list is India. Deputy Director General, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We associate ourselves with the statement made by the Group of 77 and China under this agenda item and would like to add the following points from our national perspective. The developmental journey of India and Africa is inspired by the historical and civilizational linkages Our engagement in Africa includes building local capacity and creating local opportunities, keeping our markets open, sharing India's experience with the digital revolution, improving delivery of public services, extending education and spreading digital literacy, improving agriculture, addressing the challenges of climate change, and working with African nations to keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations, among others. India has completed 206 projects in 43 African countries, and 65 projects are being implemented under Indian concessional loans with a total outlay, outlay of over $12.37 billion. These projects cover drinking water and irrigation schemes, power plants, and transmission lines, cement, sewer, and textile plants, technology parks, and railway infrastructure. India's technical and economic cooperation has steadily grown over the decades in line with the growth in India's own capabilities and the requirements of the countries in Africa. Almost 40,000 Africans have been trained in India under ITEC in the last 10 years. It is also a matter of pride for us that over 23,000 African students live and study in India. We have also established Indian educational institutions in Africa, such as the Indian Institute of Technology in Jandibhar, Tanzania, the National Forensic Science University in Uganda, the Entrepreneurship Development Centers in Rwanda, and the various centers of information technology in several countries of Africa. In recent years, the partnership with Africa has also expanded to areas like climate change, digitalization, and Industry 4.0. India has extended a concessional line of credit of $2 billion for the development of grid solar energy projects in Africa. India has signed MOUs on sharing India Stack with 4 countries, including with Sierra Leone in Africa. India Stack is a set of digital infrastructure protocols enabling delivery of public services to citizens at the population scale, catalyzing rapid transformation and social inclusion. Madam Chair, like India, Africa too has one of the youngest populations on the planet. We understand that this presents opportunities as well as a challenge on our development. With our experience, we also understand that meaningful development happens when the beneficiaries participate, own, and steer the process of growth and transformation themselves. India is supportive of a great role for Africa in the United Nations and other multilateral fora. During our G20 G20 presidency, India took the decision to keep the Global South at the center of global discourse. We were successful in inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. We have taken note of the activities presented in the Director General's progress report on the implementation of IDDA3. We would be happy to partner with UNIDO and share India's experience of developing industry-specific solutions, be it digitalization or development of pharma or solar industries or advancement of agriculture-related industries in Africa. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank you for your statement. And this brings me to the last speaker in this morning's session, which is Egypt. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you so much, Madam President. Egypt aligns itself with the statements of the Group of G77, China, and African Group on the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa, IDDA3, and would like to add the following remarks on our national capacity. Egypt believes that enhancing industrialization in Africa will do a priority to the continent, yet it is facing serious challenges due to the cascading crisis including climate change, pandemics, conflicts, and to that the increasing levels of debt and the increasing cost of capital as well as inflation. However, we are convinced that this is an opportunity to focus on developing specific industrial sectors that serve best the interests of the African continent and the growing African population, like the, like the medical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as renewable energy production and access to energy, agriculture and food processing industries, and other sectors where the African countries have specific competitive advantages. Egypt emphasizes that building the manufacturing capacities in Africa, promoting intra-Africa trade, and integration of regional value chains is imperative for helping African countries lower their vulnerability to current and future crisis. Madam President, Egypt recognizes the important role of UNIDO that plays in supporting African countries to realize inclusive and sustainable industrial development and appreciates appreciates that in 2023 UNIDO implemented over 271 projects across Africa totaling $55.7 million, including through expanding the PCPs in Africa, enhancing coordination with the relevant African organizations to implement the Common African Agro Parks Program. Egypt appreciates UNIDO support to African countries in developing national strategies for implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area, AFCFTA, which will allow more opportunities to achieve a broader range of inclusive and sustainable industrial development, enhance intra-African trade, deepen regional integration, and promote structural transformation and inclusive growth. Madam President, realizing the significant role of IDDA3 in supporting Africa's industrial ambition at the continental and national levels, His Excellency President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of Egypt, has become in 2018 one is one of the champions of this initiative, aiming at increasing the awareness of Africa's industrialization efforts. And Egypt praises the role of UNIDO in implementing the IDDA3, particularly in raising awareness of the importance of industrialization in Africa and in giving renewed impetus for ISD in the context of AAF-CFTA. Egypt takes note of the independent strategic evaluation for the third industrial development decade and undertaken by the Office of Evaluation and Internal Oversight and calls upon UNIDO to implement the recommendations stipulated therein to address the challenges faced by IDDA III implementation, including a lack of effective coordination, weak knowledge management, and limited funding. And Egypt further requests UNIDO to work in tandem with the African Union Commission, the Economic Commission of Africa, and other relevant African stakeholders on developing the IDDA IV. Madam President, Egypt welcomes the new partnerships of UNIDO and some funding entities like the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund, and this— and in this regard, invites UNIDO to use these new funding channels to raise more financial support to African countries, and it also invites the UNIDO team to engage with African members in the boards of those funds to mobilize further financial resources for the projects proposed by UNIDO. And Egypt Egypt welcomes the vision presented by the Director-General and the new and updated strategies to enhance UNIDO role in dealing with climate change, in particular in support of African countries and to assist the expected transition away from harmful and single-use plastics and polymers. In this regard, Egypt requests that UNIDO updates its Africa engagement strategy to assist all African countries in their just transitions to deal with new development models identified through these new agreements that are creating new additional requirements, standards, obligations, be it directly through those treaties or indirectly through relevant policies like the EU CBAM, all of which represent real challenges to existing and future industrialization in Africa, but also, also provides opportunities for a sustainable future. Finally, and in the context of deep-rooted devoted support to the sisterly African countries, including through the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development. Egypt reiterates its readiness to provide any support needed to assist the UNIDO in its mission in Africa, especially through triangular cooperation, which provides in many occasions a high value added for all partners involved in it. I thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Excellency, for your statement. I intend now to adjourn the debate and we will reconvene here in this room for the next plenary session at 3:30. I would also like to announce that the informals will start at 12:30 in C3 on the 7th floor. The meeting is adjourned.