GENEVA, 28 June 2024 – UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller took part in the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Ninth Global Review of Aid for Trade, with the theme of “Mainstreaming Trade”, providing insights at two high-level dialogues on the first day which set the scene for the three-day flagship event.

During the ‘Realizing LDCs' trade potential’ high-level plenary, the UNIDO Director drew attention to the current alarming levels of global inequality, stressing that: “Business as usual is no longer an option, we must rethink how the global economy functions. The world needs new rules for fair globalization. LDCs need debt relief, open markets, investment in critical infrastructure including for processing industries to create added value. Only with private investments can we change the situation”. He highlighted the urgent need for an investment offensive in critical infrastructure such as transportation, digital connectivity, agribusiness, infrastructure, and investments in processing industries and advocated for greater political will to make these changes happen, re-affirming UNIDO’s commitment to realize LDCs’ trade potential, by improving standards, promoting sustainable practices and green trade, and facilitating market access. “UNIDO is paving the way for LDCs to thrive in the global economy”, according to Müller.

The Director General was joined at the plenary by  the Djibouti Minister of Trade and Tourism, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce, Permanent Representative of Cambodia, Under Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States, UNOHRLLS, UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General, WTO Director of the Development Division.

As part of the Partenariat pour le Coton's ongoing efforts to mobilize resources for West Africa's development of the West African cotton and textile industry, the Director General was party to the signature of a Multi-Partner Joint Declaration on the Cotton Initiative (ITFC, AFC, Afreximbank, ITC, WTO, UNIDO).

Director General Müller also met with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary General Bogdan-Martin to sign a joint Declaration on UNIDO-ITU collaboration towards fostering innovative models of cooperation for leveraging multi-stakeholders’ resources - especially from the private sector. Both stressed the need to deliver concrete results in priority areas such as e-waste, digital infrastructure and innovation. New initiatives will have a special focus on LDCs, SIDS, and LLDCs, notably in the run up to the international conference on LLDCs in Botswana later this year.

The Joint Declaration signed focuses on inclusive digital transformation and innovation ecosystems in LDCs, circular economy for ICT equipment, digital access and digital skills, and AI and digital governance. ITU Secretary General Bogdan-Martin affirmed: “It is exciting to be expanding our relationship with UNIDO, and I thank Director General Gerd Müller for helping make this Joint Declaration a reality. The collaboration between ITU and UNIDO leverages the strengths of both organizations to support the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work together will be critical as we seek to support key global objectives on industrialization, infrastructure, and innovation in the digital age.”

Speaking with USG Rabab Fatima of UNOHRLLS, Müller reviewed the outcomes of the recently held SIDS Conference and discussed the role of UNIDO in the LLDC3 Conference and the new programme of action for LLDCs. They agreed on the need for stronger coalitions in support of these groups of countries to attract investment and build capacity.

A bilateral meeting with the CEO of the International Islamic Finance Corporation (ITFC), Hani Sonbol explored co-organizing an investment forum in the context of the UNIDO General Conference in Saudi Arabia in 2025, together with the cooperation on cotton, and their possible involvement in the ‘World Without Hunger Conference’ planned for 5-7 November in Addis Ababa.

Director General Müller also used his visit to establish new partnerships, notably with the African Finance Corporation (AFC), the continent’s leading industrial infrastructure provider. He signed a Joint Declaration to enhance sustainable industrialization in Africa. UNIDO-AFC collaboration is aimed at advancing sustainable industrialization in developing economies, with the two institutions focused on catalyzing private investment across several sectors while supporting energy access and transition, industrial decarbonization, and the development of agro-industries through mobilizing the knowledge, expertise, and financial resources required to achieve the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs).

While, on the eve of the WTO Aid for Trade Global Review, a briefing with UNIDO’s Geneva-based Member State representatives and heads of partner organizations was held, providing an excellent opportunity to present UNIDO’s priorities and exchange on pressing global issues. Here, Ambassadors called on UNIDO to facilitate the promotion of fair trade and sustainable supply chains, with UNIDO standing ready to support its Member States with skills, technology and investment mobilization. Director General Müller reiterated: “It is clear that we need to rethink globalization – to a fairer globalization. We need more global solidarity – so let’s come together and secure more investments in your countries’ sustainable economic development.”

Read the article about the LDCs-themed HL event here. Watch the session here.