Abu Dhabi chosen to host Unido event in 2019
Abu Dhabi has been selected to host the 2019 United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s General Conference, its top policymaking body that convenes every two years.
The emirate was chosen following a vote by the 53 member states of the Industrial Development Bank at their 46th annual meeting in Vienna. This is the first time Unido’s General Conference will be held in the Middle East. The organisation has held the conference outside its headquarters in Vienna only three times in its history: in Bangkok 1987; Cameroon in 1993; and Lima in 2013.
“Selecting Abu Dhabi to host the 18th Unido General Conference reflects the international recognition of the UAE’s significant role in supporting the global industrial sector to achieve the sustainable development goals of the United Nations,” said Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.
“The UAE remains a pioneer in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and continues to bridge and connect civilisations between the East and West. Through its partnership with Unido in the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit, the UAE is well-positioned to play a strategic role in
Unido is the specialised agency of the UN that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction
shaping the future of the global manufacturing sector.”
The General Conference is set to be held at the end of next year and will be preceded by Uido’s Least Developed Countries Ministerial Conference. Unido and the UAE serve as co-chairs for the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit.
“We highly appreciate the generous offer of the Government of the UAE to host the 18th session of the Unido General Conference in Abu Dhabi,” said Unnido director general LI Yong. “I look forward to further strengthening our ties, especially since Unido and the UAE share the commitment to take a transformational approach towards shaping the future of manufacturing and jointly cochair the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit.”
Unido is the specialised agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalisation and environmental sustainability. As of May 17, 2018, Unido had 168 member states, including Brazil, Germany, France, Russia and Japan.
“Clearly, spreading global prosperity is deeply instilled into our belief system, and unlocking the potential of the manufacturing sector will support our efforts,” said Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Industry.