Latest news with #UNIDO
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus I.Sekreta meets with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Director General
On June 26, 2025, in Vienna, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Igor Sekreta, met with the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Gerd Müller. For reference: UNIDO is a specialised UN agency with a core mandate to assist countries in modernising industrial production, promoting environmentally sound and sustainable industrial development, and introducing and adapting new technologies. Belarus consistently supports the strengthening of UNIDO's leading role in promoting sustainable industrial development across the globe and actively utilises the Organisation's expertise and resources to enhance the competitiveness and environmental sustainability of its industries and to implement modern technologies and standards. In December 2020, the Country Programme Framework for cooperation between the Government of Belarus and UNIDO was signed for an initial term of five years. It outlines the priority areas of expanded engagement and joint work, aligned with Belarus's socio-economic development goals. Its duration has been extended until December 2030. Belarus traditionally takes an active part in the work of UNIDO's governing bodies. In November 2023, Belarus was elected for the fifth time to the Industrial Development Board. emphasised the symbolic significance of the meeting date – the 80th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter – and noted the document's continued relevance today. The Deputy Minister highlighted the growing demand for UNIDO's services and expertise in supporting sustainable industrial development and praised the Organisation's ability to foster effective cross-sectoral cooperation among public and private actors, as well as scientific and expert communities. The parties discussed the current state and future prospects of Belarus–UNIDO cooperation, the implementation of ongoing technical cooperation projects, and priority areas for further partnership under the existing Country Programme Framework. Special attention was paid to initiatives in the field of digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including projects in the Brest and Mogilev regions. The interlocutors also discussed the launch of a project in the "Great Stone" Industrial Park, with Chinese financing, aimed at granting the park eco-industrial status. Satisfaction was expressed with the agreement reached on the UNIDO technical mission to Belarus at the end of July to discuss the matter on-site. The parties discussed opportunities for uniting Belarus' efforts to strengthen the industrial and production potential of African countries and UNIDO's project activities aimed at promoting industrial development in Africa, including through the use of the UNIDO Centre of Excellence in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and the potential of Belarusian industry and agriculture. The Deputy Minister also addressed the issue of middle-income countries (MICs) and UNIDO's role as the only organisation with a dedicated Strategic Framework for Partnering with MICs, aimed at helping them overcome development challenges. In this context, Belarus reaffirmed its initiative to update UNIDO's Strategic Framework for MICs, which will be reviewed at the upcoming 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board (Vienna, June 30 – July 3, 2025). UNIDO Director General, Gerd Müller, commended the level of cooperation with Belarus and expressed gratitude for the country's consistent and active support of the Organisation's work. G.Müller confirmed UNIDO's readiness to expand technical cooperation with Belarus and invited the Belarusian side to participate in the 21st session of the UNIDO General Conference, which will be held from 23 to 27 November 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Parties expressed their readiness to further deepen practical cooperation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.
Gulf Weekly
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Weekly
Creating herstory
Bahrain is set to witness the second edition of the prestigious Woman of the Year Awards (WOTYA), a platform honouring community trailblazers, nominations for which are open, writes Melissa Nazareth. The glittering event will be staged by Woman This Month magazine in December, coinciding with Bahraini Women's Day, which is celebrated annually on December 1. Porsche will be the title sponsor of WOTYA 2025, which recognises the achievements and contributions of women in Bahrain across sectors, including business, art, science, healthcare, and social good. This year's awards will feature 17 honours across six main categories. A new category, 'Women in Orange Economy', has been introduced and features the Orange Economy Rising Star by UNIDO award. Other categories are Woman in Business, Woman in Service, Woman in Sports, Woman in Social Service and Woman of Arabia Achievement Award. The orange economy, also known as the creative economy, encompasses art, culture, media, design, technology and heritage industries. GulfWeekly's sister paper, the GDN, previously reported on the launch of the Orange Economy year in the kingdom, which will entail a series of competitions, conferences, exhibitions and community engagement activities, staged by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO-ITPO) in the kingdom, in collaboration with the RAK Art Foundation. WOTYA 2025 was officially launched in March at the Wyndham Grand Manama during which Woman This Month chairman George Middleton reaffirmed the platform's mission to elevate women's voices. 'When we let her shine bright, Bahrain shines even brighter,' he said in his address. The 2025 jury panel was also introduced at the event. It includes award-winning entrepreneur Huda Janahi, marketing professional and mental health advocate Nivedita Dhadphale, Standard Chartered Bank head of corporate affairs, brand and marketing Noora Al Nusuf, Maya La Chocolaterie, Maya Delices and SJ Investments founder and chief executive Sonya Janahi, ESMOD Dubai founder and chief executive Tamara Hostal, and journalist, writer and technology pioneer Ubaydli. In order to be eligible for a nomination, you must be a current resident of Bahrain, except for the philanthropy sub-category. Those who wish to nominate someone for the awards can visit for more details. Last year's awards attracted more than 400 nominations, 51 per cent of which were Bahraini. The gala event, which was attended by around 500 people, honoured 19 women from among 50 finalists. Pioneering artist and philanthropist Safeya Kanoo, who passed away on June 18, was acknowledged with a lifetime achievement award. Reminiscing a memorable interaction with the personality, Red House Marketing managing director Anne Middleton said: 'When Safeya Kanoo comes to my mind, it's not the 'talented artist' or the 'Bahraini socialite' most people would remember her by, but the gracious, dignified and charitable lady that she was. 'I recall being asked by a friend, who was organising a little fundraising get-together for a home for elderly women, if 'Madam Safeya' would give her time to attend. At short notice, I called her and despite her busy schedule and physical issues, she agreed not to mention also giving a generous donation.' Red House Marketing publishes Woman This Month and Bahrain This Month.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Environment Ministry, UNIDO sign agreement to phase down harmful refrigerants
AMMAN — The Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) on Tuesday signed a project document launching the first phase of Jordan's Kigali Amendment Implementation Plan under the Montreal Protocol, aimed at protecting the ozone layer. The partnership aims to support Jordan in fulfilling its international commitments to gradually phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning that contribute to ozone depletion and climate change, according to a ministry statement. The project would also help develop a comprehensive national framework for managing HFCs and encourage the transition to more climate-friendly and environmentally sustainable alternatives, the statement said. Minister of Environment Muawieh Radaideh said the first phase of the project would prioritise key activities, including support for six Jordanian companies in the domestic and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning sectors. It will also provide specialised training equipment and tools for workers in the transport refrigeration servicing sector. Additionally, the project would strengthen the technical capacities of the Vocational Training Corporation, the Customs Department, the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organisation, industrial schools, and universities offering refrigeration and air conditioning programmes. Radaideh described the initiative as a pioneering step towards sustainable industrial development, enabling local companies to shift to environmentally safe refrigerants and reinforcing Jordan's commitment to international environmental agreements. He also expressed appreciation for UNIDO's continued partnership. UNIDO Resident Representative in Jordan Sulafa Madanat highlighted the project as a model for international cooperation, underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships in accelerating climate action and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative is being implemented within the framework of Jordan's National Cooling Strategy and supports national climate objectives outlined in the Kingdom's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The first phase is backed by approximately $2.5 million in funding. This phase is expected to lay the groundwork for enhanced international cooperation and resource mobilisation in subsequent stages, positioning Jordan as a regional leader in environmental protection and sustainable development, the statement said.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Launch of region's first business accelerator dedicated to green chemistry
AMMAN — On behalf of HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of the Royal Scientific Society (RSS), Vice President for Scientific Research Arafat Awajan officiated the launch ceremony of the Global Greenchem Chemistry Business Accelerator titled: 'The Catalyst' — the first of its kind in the region dedicated exclusively to green chemistry. In his opening remarks, Awajan highlighted the vital role RSS plays in linking scientific research to practical applications in the service of industry, the labour market, and society, according to a RSS statement. He stressed that these efforts are made possible through coordinated collaboration between the society's Business Incubator and its specialised technical centres. He said that the Green Chemistry Project is one of RSS's 'flagship' national initiatives, aiming to accelerate the country's transition towards a green economy in line with the Economic Modernisation Vision. Awajan also praised the Ministry of Environment's 'significant' role in the project, underscoring the importance of the strategic partnership between the ministry and RSS, a partnership that has led to tangible successes and positive impacts on both the environment and the community. Sulafa Mdanat, representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), said that the adoption of green chemistry principles represents a 'vital' tool for achieving sustainable industrial development, contributing to environmental protection and human health. She reiterated UNIDO's commitment to supporting initiatives that align with national priorities and enhance economic stimulation in Jordan. The launch event was attended by representatives from Yale University, UNIDO, several Jordanian universities, the private sector, entrepreneurs and public institutions. A panel discussion was also held on the sidelines of the event, with participation from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, IPARK, and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The dialogue focused on opportunities and challenges related to adopting and applying green chemistry concepts in commercial and entrepreneurial settings. Panellists highlighted the importance of enhancing coordination and collaboration among government entities, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and maximise available incentives. During the launch, the Green Chemistry Accelerator officially opened its call for applications. The programme will offer 'intensive' training and the opportunity to compete for financial awards to support the development, promotion, and commercialisation of green chemistry ventures. The Global Greenchem Programme is a global initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility, implemented by UNIDO, executed by Yale University and is nationally implemented by the Cleaner Production Unit at RSS, Jordan's National Cleaner Production Centre, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
UNIDO training on chemical free vegetable farming starts at CSA Univ
Kanpur: The third batch of a three-day professional training programme, sponsored by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Japan, commenced at the vegetable section of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology on Sunday. The programme was inaugurated by the university's vice-chancellor Anand Kumar Singh. Singh, in his address emphasising the importance of chemical-free farming, stated that the excessive use of agrochemicals in agriculture is polluting the soil, air, and groundwater, adversely affecting the health of all living beings. Therefore, incorporating alternatives to agrochemicals along with low-input techniques into vegetable cultivation is the need of the hour. Discussing the Japanese IMEC Film Farming hydroponic system, the vice-chancellor explained that it enables the successful production of high-quality cherry tomatoes using minimal water and fertilisers, and completely without agrochemicals. The Total Soluble Solids (TSS - sweetness) level in cherry tomatoes produced by this technique is nearly double that of conventionally grown tomatoes, he added. On this occasion, Hiroshi Yoshioka, chief executive officer of Mebiol Inc. , Japan, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the university for organising a meaningful and well-structured training programme. He said that using IMEC Film Farming technology in protected vegetable cultivation can fetch higher market prices, thereby helping to establish agriculture-based businesses. Programme director PK. Singh, said that the objective of the training is to enhance women's participation in the agriculture sector and promote agriculture-based economies by developing their skills. Programme coordinator Rajiv explained while conducting the programme that along with 12 lectures by scientists from various research institutions across the country, four practical exercises will also be conducted. The event was attended by the dean of the faculty of community science, the director of extension, the dean of the horticulture faculty, along with 35 progressive farmers, young entrepreneurs, and research students from various districts of the state.
