21 November 2012: The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) convened a panel discussion on the Green Industry Platform, which was launched during the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20). The panel, held on 21 November 2012, announced the composition of the Platform’s advisory board.
The platform is expected to support broad action on green industry, provide information and awareness raising, conducts research and support strategizing and networking on green manufacturing and creating green industries.
The advisory board for the Green Industry Platform includes: government representatives from Colombia, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines and Poland; representatives of private sector companies including Microsoft and Novozymes; civil society; the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI); the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC); the European Commission; and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The Platform is a voluntary multi-stakeholder partnership established by UNIDO, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and partner UN organizations, who will also provide primary secretariat services. The Advisory Board will be responsible for developing and recommending the Platform’s focus, strategy and work plan.
The discussion panel took place during the 40th session of UNIDO’s Industrial Development Board. With participation from international organizations and government, panel discussions focused on enhancing the contribution of the global manufacturing sector to the green economy through mainstreaming and scaling up sustainable practices. The panel also considered issues related to shifting towards sustainable development and a green economy through moving from labor productivity to resource productivity.
The event concluded with an appeal to the representatives of Member States and international organizations in attendance to join the Green Industry Platform and to approach UNIDO for advice on strategies to attain green growth. [UNIDO Press Release] [Green Industry Platform Press Release] [Introduction to Green Industry Platform] [Webpage for 40th Session of Industrial Development Board]