In a significant step towards fostering collaboration and innovation, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and logistics company DHL Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the framework of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference in the United Arab Emirates on December 11, 2023.

The event featured the partnership signing ceremony and the launch of the “Innovation for Food Systems Transformation” global innovation challenge by UNIDO and DHL Group. Fueled by the collective expertise of both entities, this collaboration strives to transform agribusiness and climate-related initiatives. At the core of this partnership is the drive to enhance food preservation, reduce food waste in African markets, and improve global market accessibility for producers.

Moreover, the joint Innovation Challenge serves as a cornerstone for the upcoming launch of UNIDO Venture Labs by the UNIDO Innovation Lab. This pioneering programme in business development and scaling aims to unite multinational corporations, pioneering startups, and local stakeholders, focusing on crucial global challenges related to food systems transformation, climate action, and sustainable supply chains.

The UNIDO-DHL Innovation Challenge serves as a beacon, seeking out trailblazing technology providers who have designed sustainable solutions within agribusiness supply chains and logistics. These solutions ought to be designed to address hurdles within the 'first-mile' supply chain, enhance the livelihoods of farmers, and champion the adoption of a sustainable food system that eliminates all forms of waste.

Emphasizing a keen interest in multiple sectors that foster innovative solutions at the crossroads of logistics and sustainability, the collaboration focuses on clean technology, perishable logistics, new sustainable business models, smart solutions, and sustainable packaging and containers.

Gunther Beger, Managing Director of UNIDO’s Directorate for SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, underscored the commitment to fostering economic transformation and driving innovation for enduring positive change. "This partnership with DHL Group holds immense potential in addressing food security and establishing sustainable food supply chains," affirmed Beger. "Uniting industry expertise and innovative solutions is paramount in tackling global challenges and nurturing a more sustainable future."

Steven Pope, Head of Trade Facilitation at DHL Group, expressed: “DHL Group and UNIDO join hands, committed to minimizing food waste and shifting the paradigms of agriculture. I am proud to sign this Memorandum of Understanding on DHL’s behalf as I believe that this partnership is a beacon of hope. We continue our way towards a more sustainable and equitable global food system, with the aim of uplifting the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring that they will see sustainable benefits in this transformative journey towards a better, more resilient agricultural future."

This partnership stands as a testament to joined efforts aimed at redefining the future of agribusiness, sustainability, and global impact. Through innovative solutions and concerted actions, UNIDO and DPDHL Group pave the way for a world where food waste is minimized, sustainability is prioritized, and markets are inclusive and thriving for producers.

For further information, please contact:

UNIDO 
Adnan Seric 
Head of UNIDO Innovation Lab 
 
Mail: innovationlab@unido.org 
Mail: Adnan Seric 
On the internet: unido.org/innovation-lab