Vienna, 8 February 2023 - Andrea Illy and Jeffrey Sachs, co-chairs of the Regenerative Society Foundation (RSF), and Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), have signed a joint declaration to achieve the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in relation to SDG 9: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”.

The partnership will focus on the development of joint technical assistance projects promoting circularity, regenerative agricultural models, digitalization of agro-value chains and sustainable business models fostering industrialization and innovation. To this end, multi-stakeholder alliances and private-public cooperation will be forged to to pool resources and share know-how and skills.

"The foundation is a multilateral partnership of global leaders, with a broad range of expertise,” said Jeffrey Sachs. “Its members support regenerative initiatives aimed at restoring degraded lands and rebuilding ecosystems, with a special focus on African challenges. UNIDO is a key partner, with its global leadership in promoting public-private dialogue, skills-building and sharing of best practices.”

Andrea Illy added, “Changing business models in the private sector will only be sustainable if the initiatives are successful in generating sustainable revenue flows. The RSF and UNIDO alliance will be strategic for this goal.”

Gerd Müller said, “We are committed to promote sustainability through innovation. The private sector is a driver for innovation. We will work with the Regenerative Society Foundation to define innovative ways to promote sustainable and regenerative solutions, especially in agribusiness”.