UNIDO at a Glance The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), established by the UN General Assembly in 1966 and since 1985 a specialized agency of the UN system, which helps developing countries and transition economies to pursue sustainable industrial development. It provides tailor-made solutions to today's industrial problems by offering a package of integrated services addressing three key concerns: competitive economy; sound environment; productive employment at policy, institutional and enterprise level. Secretariat Structure The Secretariat is headed by Director-General Mr. Kandeh Yumkella, from Sierra Leone, who took office on December 2005 for an initial four-year mandate. Mr. Yumkella is assisted by three Managing Directors and more than 600 staff at HQ and 500 in the field. Policy-making Organs The UNIDO Secretariat carries out programmes and activities approved by the UNIDO's policy-making organs. UNIDO's current membership numbers 168 countries. They meet once every two years at the General Conference, which approves the budget and work programme of UNIDO and appoints the Director-General. The Industrial Development Board (53 Member States) reviews the implementation of the work programme and the budget, which is prepared by a subsidiary body, the Programme and Budget Committee (27 Member States). Back to Top Services UNIDO has sharpened its technical cooperation activities by focusing on three themes, which directly respond to international development priorities: Poverty Reduction through Productive Activities -- Distinctively different from other agencies and institutions, UNIDO addresses Poverty Reduction (MDG1) by focusing on enabling the poor to earn a living, rather than providing help to deal with the symptoms of poverty. As such, UNIDO focuses on micro, small and medium scale enterprise development; rural and agro-industrial development (as well as “rural energy for productive use”) ; and women in development. Trade Capacity Building -- Open borders and markets are essential; still, additional measures are required to increase the participation of developing countries: UNIDO thus combines building up the technical infrastructure required to participate in international trade (i.e. standards, quality, metrology, accreditation and certification) while strengthening key export sectors that require support services in strengthening/upgrading productive and export capacities . Energy and Environment -- While energy is a prerequisite for Poverty Reduction (MDG1), environment, as stipulated in MDG7 (Environmental Sustainability) and MDG9 (Sustainable development), is one of today’s greatest challenges: UNIDO therefore assists countries in the implementation of activities related to the multilateral environmental agreements; the promotion of energy efficiency; and the promotion of sustainable production and consumption practices. 1. Competitive economy Industrial policy formulation and implementation Statistics and information networks Metrology, standardization, certification and accreditation Continuous improvements and quality management Investment and technology promotion 2. Sound environment environmental policy framework climate convention and the Kyoto Protocol energy efficiency rural energy development cleaner production pollution control and waste management Montreal Protocol 3. Productive employment small- and medium-sized enterprises: policy framework women entrepreneurs entrepreneurship development upgrading agro-industries and related technical skills The "the three Es" serve as guiding beacons for UNIDO's approach to its markets, clients and customers, especially in the light of growing international concern over the social and environmental consequences of industrialization. The social dimension of industrialization is reflected in nearly all activities. Social considerations affect employment, gender, wealth generation, public health, safety at work, industrial profitability, the promotion of entrepreneurship, public-private sector partnerships, economic and industrial planning, and industry support. From a practical point of view, UNIDO strives to strengthen industrial development in three broad categories: Industry's role in the economic structure Production technology, production processes and production efficiency The enabling environment for industrial growth.   Back to Top