unido

UNIDO, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, it works with governments to design and implement policies, programmes, and projects that strengthen industry, improve productivity, and support job creation.

Founded by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966 as an autonomous organization, UNIDO became a specialized agency within the UN system in 1985. Its mandate centers on fostering industrial development that is environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically productive, with a focus on assisting low- and middle-income countries to integrate into global value chains and upgrade their industrial capacity.

Activities undertaken by UNIDO include policy advisory services, institutional capacity building, and technical cooperation. The organization supports energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean technologies, upgrading of small and medium-sized enterprises, value chain development, and export readiness. It emphasizes the concept of inclusive and sustainable industrial development as a pathway to poverty reduction and shared prosperity.

Governance and structure: UNIDO is governed by a Conference of Member States and overseen by a Governing Body, with direction provided by a Director-General and a central Secretariat. Regional offices support programme delivery across multiple regions, enabling localized assistance and collaboration with national authorities.

Partnerships and impact: UNIDO collaborates with other UN agencies, international financial institutions, regional development banks, governments, and the private sector to mobilize finance and scale up programmes. Its initiatives aim to accelerate sustainable industrial development, promote green and circular economy practices, and contribute to poverty alleviation and broader sustainable development goals.