5 December 2016: The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the World Bank signed an agreement to facilitate access for World Bank borrowers to UNIDO expertise, and to help the two organizations support client countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Li Yong, UNIDO Director General, said UNIDO’s assistance in implementing World Bank financing will trigger a stronger impact on the ground, and help countries to achieve SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), while contributing to all other SDGs.

A letter confirming a new standard form of agreement to facilitate the provision of UNIDO’s expertise to governments implementing World Bank-financed investment projects was signed by Li and by Hartwig Schafer, World Bank, on 5 December 2016, in Vienna, Austria. Li added that the partnership between UNIDO and the World Bank will allow countries to benefit more fully from the services provided by the two organizations.

Schafer observed that the standard agreements will help speed up implementation of projects, in order for people to get access to the infrastructure and services they need. He noted that the agreement is focused on facilitating the delivery of outputs and real results.

As a UN specialized agency, UNIDO is mandated to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development for poverty eradication, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. [UNIDO Press Release] [Video on UNIDO-World Bank Signing Ceremony]