UNIDO Calls for a 'New Deal' for Fair Globalization

Addressing delegates at the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), in Doha, Qatar, UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller called for producers, especially those in LDCs, to get a fair deal and to preserve scarce resources. This means compliance with environmental and social standards along global and regional value chains, support for the development of skilled workforces, and local value addition.

Müller noted that "UNIDO is the platform to facilitate fair trade, training and investment partnerships with Europe and the rest of the industrialized world.”

He highlighted how the triple planetary crisis is hitting the poorest the hardest, citing the fact that LDCs account for less than 1% of total world CO2 emissions, yet they are the most affected by climate disasters.

Müller said, “A better deal is needed for the developing world, based on stronger global solidarity. It is possible to end hunger worldwide, to address climate change and to make supply chains fair. The G20, the IMF, the World Bank and industrialized countries must take the responsibility to avert further burdens on the developing countries and, in particular, the LDCs.”

He highlighted five key actions:

First: Debt relief for the LDCs and fair access to financial markets.

Second: An investment programme in infrastructure development for agriculture, sustainable energy and climate protection.

Third: Countries must deliver on the US$100bn pledge for climate action.

Fourth: Establishing the agreed upon Loss and Damage Fund to finance climate adaptation measures.

Fifth: Fulfilling the G7 promise of lifting 500 million people out of hunger and poverty.

Director General Müller concluded, “We live in an interconnected world. Strengthening cooperation and engagement in support of the LDCs must be a priority. Progress by innovation is the UNIDO motto and it is the global partner for sustainable industrial development.”