UNIDO taking part at the Global Environment Facility meeting in Uruguay, 24-28 May, 2010

The UNIDO-GEF partnership contributes to many energy-and environment projects to protect the global environment

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Director-General Kandeh K. Yumkella addressed the participants at the Fourth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) this week, in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

In his statement, Yumkella emphasized the importance of the Organization’s Green Industry Initiative, which is "at the heart of (our) collaboration with GEF". The GEF-UNIDO partnership recognizes the importance of a holistic approach towards greening the industrial sector, in which energy and environmental policies, strategies and methods play strong and mutually supportive roles.

GEF is the largest multilateral funding mechanism for environmental protection and brings together 178 countries with UN organizations, the World Bank, regional development banks, NGOs and the private sector. All are driven by common goals and incentives in enhancing global cooperation and partnership, the fight against poverty, and the quest for sustainable development.

For UNIDO, taking part in the GEF Assembly is a great opportunity to participate in a collective effort to strengthen strategies and actions for protecting the global environment and achieving sustainable development. This year, discussions at the Assembly covered global environmental challenges within the context of sustainable development and other international development goals. The Assembly also included plenary meetings and high-level panels, exhibits, side events and GEF project site visits.

Currently, UNIDO implements GEF-funded projects in more than 50 countries, with a special emphasis on climate change, international waters, ozone depletion, persistent organic pollutants and land degradation.

To find out more about UNIDO projects click here

Director-General Kandeh K. Yumkella full speech

GEF Official website

For more information, please contact UNIDO GEF Coordinator Georgios Anestis