UN Industrial Development Organization chief Li Yong re-appointed for second term

VIENNA, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The chief of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Li Yong on Monday was re-appointed for a second term at the opening of the 17th session of the Organization's General Conference here.

In his opening speech, Li said he felt humbled by the trust placed in him to lead UNIDO for another four years, adding that he felt "a sense of profound responsibility."

Li was first elected in June 2013 as the director general of UNIDO, becoming the first United Nations (UN) agency chief from the Chinese mainland.

After Li took office at UNIDO, the agenda for inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) was declared in Lima, Peru as the mandate for the organization at the end of 2013.

Compared to traditional industrialization which could lead to environmental issues, ISID not only focuses on industrial development, but also on society and the environment.

Led by Li, UNIDO has made big progress in boosting the industrialization of some developing countries, especially through its program for country partnership (PCP), which helps countries with an industrial development strategy.

UNIDO is currently working in Ethiopia, Peru and Senegal, which are pilot states for the program. Cambodia and Kyrgyzstan are also expected to join the program.

However, Li believed challenges remain within his second term, for instance, poverty reduction. Moreover, UNIDO is focusing on promoting the industrialization of the less developed states to reduce poverty.

"The global community is still facing a number of unresolved and urgent challenges. Poverty, unemployment, and hunger remain the most persistent and daunting tasks for our world. Climate change, resource-depletion and environmental degradation, as well as the potential impact of the latest technological revolution, add another dimension," Li said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated Li on his re-appointment in a video message, saying that UNIDO is "a key voice on technology transfer, investment flows and skills development."

"Your efforts can help support economic transformation in Africa and in other regions, and, as we combat climate change, your work can facilitate the transition to low-carbon growth," Guterres said. Enditem