Fatou Haidara

Fatou Haidara, Managing Director of the Directorate of Corporate Management and Operations at United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), has had an extensive career as a strategic partnerships and policy envoy. Prior to joining UNIDO, she served the Government of Mali for eight years in several ministerial positions, including as Minister of Employment and Vocational Training and Minister of Industry, Trade and Private Sector Development. She was the youngest Minister appointed in the history of Mali, at the age of 29. At UNIDO, Ms. Haidara led and coordinated UNIDO’s contribution in a number of multi-lateral negotiations culminating in resolutions that have set the foundation for inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID); notably, the Istanbul Plan of Action for LDCs and the Lima Declaration. She has promoted and contributed to UNIDO’s programmes in Africa, cooperation with Least Developed Countries, expanding South-South Cooperation as well as initiating and leading programmes for Human Security, Youth Employment and the Economic Empowerment of Women.