The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is an expert agency focused on industrial development as a means of “poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability,” according to the organization’s website. It primarily focuses on inclusive and sustainable development (ISID) in cultivating solutions. Considering its active role in working to eradicate poverty, here are 10 facts about UNIDO.

10 Facts About UNIDO

1. UNIDO was established on Nov. 17, 1966, by the United Nations General Assembly.
2. It has 47 offices around the world and, as of January 2017, 169 member states.
3. The organization works closely with individual nations, nonprofits and private sector partners to achieve its goals across the globe. From arranging large-scale conferences to handling goods and services, UNIDO serves as a link between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their sponsors.
4. According to the Lima Declaration, the organization’s three priorities are creating shared prosperity, advancing economic competitiveness and safeguarding the environment.
5. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation” is closely integrated into UNIDO’s work. With sustainable development in mind, UNIDO is a proponent of South-South cooperation and works in tandem with Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRICS). From knowledge sharing to developing technical and target-specific strategies, UNIDO’s work with SDG 9 is extensive and spans numerous projects.
6. UNIDO supports the development of special economic zones (SEZs) and SMEs for sustainable industrialization.
7. It encourages foreign direct investment (FDI) to bolster local industries, which correlates with a boost in education and developing transferable skills. The cotton and fashion industries in Africa have invited FDI, which come in the form of direct business investments made by individuals, corporations or governments from one country to another.
8. The organization has a strong focus on entrepreneurship in stimulating local and regional economies, and played a large part in providing $1.3 million for increasing the export value of Cuba’s music industry.
9. Clean and green energy is one of UNIDO’s top priorities. It launched its Green Industry Initiative in 2009. Its overarching goal was to raise awareness and encourage more nations and their corresponding private and public sectors to incorporate clean energy systems. More specifically, the project is aimed at closing gaps in the normative framework, support systems and knowledge set in the clean energy industry.
10. UNIDO’s solutions and programs are target-specific, focusing on disenfranchised groups. For example, its 2001 to 2011 entrepreneurship program in Morocco was specific to women.

UNIDO has an important role in bringing international attention to salient local and regional issues. Its focus on sustainable economic advancement makes it one of the United Nation’s most valued organizations. Even being aware of these 10 facts about UNIDO is a step closer to individual awareness of the organization’s regional and international outreach programs.

– Sydney Nam