MILAN - Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, the Italian energy company, have signed a joint declaration to strengthen cooperation.

Eni’s Claudio Descalzi said, "UNIDO is a key partner for us, with whom we have been working for years to promote tangible sustainable development in countries of mutual interest, leveraging on the industrial sector that is at the heart of our collaboration. We are implementing projects that range from renewable energy to economic diversification, pooling experience, know-how and expertise.”

Director General Müller said, “We will strengthen cooperation to help achieve the goals and targets of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We have areas of common interest like green hydrogen, renewable energy and youth employment. And our focus will be on industrial development in Africa.”

Agreed areas of cooperation for the partnership include promotion of the UNIDO Global Programme for Green Hydrogen in Industry; development of agricultural value chains in Mozambique; and support for Cape Verde’s comprehensive electrification plan through renewable energy, with particular attention to wave energy.

Müller also visited the Eni research centre, where the company focuses on renewables, decarbonization and bio-based products, and discussed green hydrogen and other technologies.