Vienna Chapter
Mr. Chairman, (H.E. Mr. Raimundo Alberto Gonzalez Aninat)
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you on behalf of the Group of
77 and China on your election as the Chairman of the 27th Session of the
UNIDO Industrial Development Board. The Group is confident that your
extensive experience and diplomatic skills would lead to a successful and
fruitful conclusion of this session. I wish to also avail myself, on
behalf of the Group, this opportunity to felicitate the other members of
the Bureau on their election. The Group would also like to thank your
predecessor H.E. Ambassador István Horváth Permanent
Representative of Hungary for successfully steering the work of the last
session of IDB. The Group also extends its appreciation for the excellent
arrangements of the meeting as well as provision of necessary
documentation by the Secretariat.
The Group of 77 and China welcomes the opening remarks of the
Director General Mr. Carlos Magariños and assures him the Group's
continued support and cooperation in carrying out the mandate of the
UNIDO.
The Group of 77 and China strongly condemns the terrorist attack on
the UN Headquarters in Baghdad. This tragic incident resulting in the loss
of efficient and dedicated UN staff will lead to further deterioration of
the safety and welfare of the Iraqi people.
The Group while expressing its condolence and sympathy with the
family and friends of the victims, particularly Mr. Sergio Vieira De
Mello, strongly believes that such a tragic incident should not cause a
halt in the UN activities, particularly the implementation of the UNIDO
programmes and projects in Iraq.
The Group would be making comments on the Agenda items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10, and 11 in the course of discussions on these items. I would
restrict my intervention to comments on items 3, 4 and 5 for this opening
statement.
The Group of 77 and China takes note of the document IDB/2-PBC/2
regarding the annual report 2002 of UNIDO. The Group supports UNIDO's
efforts to play a key role in defining and implementing the international
strategies to alleviate poverty by integrating it with sustainable
industrial growth in the developing countries. The Group is convinced that
that UNIDO's involvement in these activities has helped raise its profile
in the international community in general and within the UN system in
particular, as one of the world's leading developmental organizations.
The Group is of the view that UNIDO should further capitalise on its
position as an executing agency of the Global Environmental Facility,
through a more focussed and realistic approach in programme designs,
planning and assessment and implementation.
The Group appreciates UNIDO's active participation in major
international conferences during 2002, in particular the International
Conference on Financing for Development and the World Summit on
Sustainable Development as well as the initiatives undertaken by it during
those two major conferences. The Group of 77 and China is of the view that
such concrete initiatives will support fund mobilization for UNIDO's
technical cooperation and help in the implementation of its programmes
effectively.
The Group of 77 and China welcomes the approval of six new Integrated
Programmes (IPs) and Country Service Framework (CSFs) in 2002 bringing the
total number of IPs and CSFs to 51. The Group also notes that at the end
of 2002, the total funds raised for these IPs and CSFs amounted to US$ 105
million, resulting in total allotment of US$ 92 million, against a total
current figure (without programme support costs) of US$ 256 million.
The Group expresses its concern over the continued lack of sufficient
funding for projects implementation. The Group is of the view that UNIDO
should strengthen collective efforts among all stakeholders i.e. UNIDO,
donors and the recipients to enhance effective implementation of the
projects through appropriate and timely fund provision.
The Group of 77 and China appreciates the further improvements
introduced in management of UNIDO to make it more results oriented. These
improvements would facilitate healthier operational environment,
strengthen accountability and efficiency; contributing in achieving its
goals.
The Group notes the improved performance in systematic independent
evaluation to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme
and project. Such positive trends should be maintained and enhanced
further in the years to come.
The Group commends UNIDO for its increased TC delivery per staff
member by 8% over 2001 and the increased leverage ratio for TC services
for one dollar of regular and operational budget which, improved by 7%
during 2002 to 1.45, the highest since 1996. The Group feels, however,
that TC delivery figures and percentages increases still remain minimal
and calls upon UNIDO to redouble its efforts to enhance delivery.
(a) Interim report of External Auditor, financial performance report and
programme performance report for the biennium 2002-2003
The Group of 77 and China takes note of the observations and
recommendations contained in the interim report of the External Auditor
for the biennium 2002-2003. The group is of the view that as recommended
by the External Auditor, the newly created office of Comptroller-General
should formally adopt the Professional Practices Framework of the
Institute of Internal Auditors' (IIA) and apply these standards in
performing all internal oversight activities. It is hoped that the IOG
would inter-alia provide advisory service to the UNIDO on improvement of
performance. As recommended by the External Auditor a greater
understanding of IOG's role needs to be enhanced amongst the management at
all levels. G 77 and China further hopes that the deficiencies pointed by
the External Auditor in the previous IOG would be removed by new office of
Comptroller-General and henceforth a structural approach would be followed
by UNIDO in this regard.
The Group is satisfied to note that the secretariat has taken note of
recommendations of the previous audit as well as the current interim
report and implementation process has already been embarked upon.
(b) Financial Situation of UNIDO
The G-77 and China is pleased to note the improved rate of collection
of assessment contribution towards UNIDO's regular budget, which was 93.1%
during the year 2002. The Group hopes that this positive trend would
provide impetus to improve service delivery.
The Group notes with concern that 50 member states are still without
their voting rights owing to accumulation of arrears, and encourages
affected members to make arrangement with the secretariat by either
settling their dues altogether or make use of payments plan to have their
voting rights restored.
The G 77 and China would take this opportunity to call upon the
member states to pay their assessed contributions in full and in a timely
manner. It would also like to call upon the former members that are in
arrears with UNIDO to fulfill their constitutional obligations by settling
their outstanding dues. The Group notes the positive response of the
United States to settle its arrears towards UNIDO and requests the
Secretariat to continue efforts in this regard while keeping the Member
States informed of the outcome. The Group is optimistic that the
countries, which left UNIDO in the past, would return in its folds thus
further broadening and diversifying its composition.
(e) Financing of UNIDO programmes including new initiatives for fund
mobilization
The Group notes that during 2002 net TC project and programme
approvals from all sources of funds amounted to US $ 93.4 million as
compared to 85.6 million in 2001, an increase of 9 percent. This indicates
a greater external donor response owing to UNIDO's focused approached. The
maintenance of the level of funding from the Industrial Development Fund
to about $ 21.7 million and increase of Trust Fund financing to $ 21.6
million, an increase of $ 4.2 million is a matter of satisfaction. It is
heartening to note that overall level of voluntary contributions by major
donor Governments is gradually increasing.
It is encouraging to note that the net approvals from GEF sources
during 2002 amounted to $ 20.2 million, which is double the level in 2001.
It is hoped that member states would provide support in the GEF governing
bodies to ensure more projects to UNIDO from this source. UNIDO should
also endeavor further to establish its credentials further as a
trustworthy partner and executing agency for such projects. It is also
hoped that UNIDO would make further efforts to get a greater share in UNDP
Target Resource Assignment from Core (TRAC) funds.
The Group appreciates the two initiatives launched by UNIDO during
major international conferences, International Conference on Financing for
Development and World Summit on Sustainable Development to have greater
fund mobilization. These initiatives pertained to trade facilitation for
developing countries by strengthening their capability and the trust fund
for rural energy for productive use. It is hoped that these initiatives
would go a long way in achieving organizational goals of UNIDO through
diversification of fund sources.
The G-77 and China support the Conclusion 2003/3 on the Programme and
Budget for 2004-2005 of the 19th PBC, recommending to the Industrial
Development Board to approve the gross expenditures estimated in Euros 145
013 300, in the amounts indicated in the aforementioned Conclusion, taking
into account the need for resources stated in document IDB 27/3-PBC 19/3.
In consideration of the budget for biennium 2004-2005, submitted to
the Board the G 77 and China would emphasize on the priority accorded to
the implementation of Technical Cooperation programmes in the developing
countries. The Group supports the Secretariat's efforts for fund
mobilization through voluntary contributions and additional sources,
including new initiatives and is of the view that all member states should
endeavor to contribute in such efforts. The establishment of an informal
consultative group on mobilization of resources, to be coordinated jointly
by the Ambassadors of Italy and India, is a major step in this regard. The
Group welcomes this initiative.
- Implementation of medium term programme framework 2002-2005 Report by
DG - IDB 27/17
- Status of Integrated Programmes and Country Service Frameworks.
Note by the Secretariat - IDB 27/CRP.6
The Group of 77 and China takes note of the document IDB 27/17, which
is the Report by the DG on Implementation of the Medium Term Programme
Framework 2002-2005.
The Group supports the recent thematic initiatives undertaken by
UNIDO pertaining to facilitating market access, developing rural energy
for productive use, and assisting in post-crisis recovery and
rehabilitation. We also take note of the informal consultative group
established to assist the Director General in implementing the initiative
on trade and market access facilitation. The Group hopes that such
activities will remain targeted at assisting the developing countries
meeting their development needs.
The Group support UNIDO's efforts to strengthen linkages of its
investment promotion activities with its environment and energy services;
as also the measures being taken to promote cooperation with development
financing institutions and national/regional equity funds. The Group
supports UNIDO's approach to implement a policy that takes into account
the special needs of the SMEs in view of their important role in reducing
poverty in developing countries. UNIDO's programmes to promote rural and
women's entrepreneurship are also commendable. UNIDO's business
partnership programme; technology foresight programme; and promotion of
south-south cooperation to facilitate transfer of appropriate technology
remain important facets of its role in strengthening industrial capacities
in developing countries. Promoting environmentally sustainable development
strategies and technologies for the food, textile, leather, wood and
agro-machinery sectors form significant programmatic content for UNIDO.
Cooperation with GEF and Montreal Protocol related activities have
become an important area of the Organization's activity. The Group takes
note of the various activities being undertaken in this regard.
While the Group of 77 and China recognizes the importance of the
Global Forum activities in raising the profile of the Organization in the
UN and international system, we believe that such activities should remain
clearly focused to facilitate technical cooperation delivery. The Group
takes note of the active role played by UNIDO in major development
conferences and hopes that this would help in meeting the above
objectives.
The Group appreciates the launch of the 'Industrial Development
Report 2002/2003: Competing through innovation and learning' last year,
and notes the interest generated among Governments, industry and support
institutions.
The G-77 and China would like to reiterate its support to the Global
Forum on Biotechnology, to be held in March 2004 in Concepción,
Chile. It commends the multiple efforts that are being made by the
Government of Chile and UNIDO in the preparations and organization of this
important initiative.
The Group feels that this important meeting, would for the first time
congregate representatives of Governments, developmental organizations,
entrepreneurs, scientists, academicians and of the civil societies and
will allow, in an efficient way, the transference of biotechnology towards
sustainable industrial development and the industrialization of developing
countries.
The G-77 and China takes this opportunity to highlight the successful
holding of the Regional Meetings in Africa and Latin America and the
Caribbean as part of the preparatory process for the Global Forum and
encourages the Secretariat to finalize its preparation of the Asian
regional meeting as soon as possible.
(b) Field Representation
The Group is of the view that the field offices have a pivotal role
in realization of UNIDO's overall objectives. It is important that the
Regional Bureaux and Field Offices should accommodate the diverse regional
situation and the specific needs of the recipient countries while in
keeping with the UNIDO's Business Plan, Medium-term programme frame work
for 2002-2005 and Strategic Guidelines "Towards improved UNIDO
programme delivery.
The Group feels that fund mobilization is an important responsibility
of the Regional Bureaux and Field Offices. The field representatives
should not only be acting as a catalyst but should also seek out to bring
together the stakeholders for industrial development. In this regard UNIDO
Exchange should provide a more proactive platform for promotional and
information activities with a view to increased effectiveness of its
services.
- Medium Term Programme Framework 2004-2007: Revised Proposals of the DG
- IDB 27/14
The Group of 77 and China takes note of the document IDB 27/14
containing revised proposals of the Director General for the Medium Term
Programme Framework for 2004-2007, which are to be formulated after the
ongoing review of the technical cooperation delivery services is completed
within the Organisation, on the basis of the Business Plan and the
strategic guidelines "Towards improved UNIDO programme delivery"
adopted by the Board last year.
The Group hopes that the ongoing review will be completed shortly and
will lead to an improved integration of the programmes with the intended
objectives, priorities and guidelines of the organization.
The Group notes that the existing eight service modules established
under the MTPF for 2002-2005 will continue to provide the framework for
the services of the Organization.
The Group again welcomes the development of thematic initiatives to
help developing countries and countries with economies in transition in
meeting pressing industrial development needs. The Group therefore calls
upon the Director General to promote initiatives pertaining to market
access, development of rural energy and assistance in post-crisis recovery
and rehabilitation. The group calls upon UNIDO to intensify its industrial
expertise, assisting further in rural and women's entrepreneurship
development and foster the eradication of poverty, one of the Millennium
Declaration goals. UNIDO should continue to build partnerships between the
public and private sectors for effective implementation of the technical
cooperation schemes.
The Group takes note of the Director General's Report, contained in
document IDB.27/22, highlighting the activities of the International
Centre for Advanced Science and Technology within the working plan of
UNIDO. The Group encourages the Secretariat to continue its cooperation
with the Centre, keeping the Member States informed about the results of
the work in the areas of selection, transfer and utilization of technology
for the benefit of the developing countries.
The Group of G-77 and China has taken note of documents IDB-27/19,
IDB-27/19/Add.1 and IDB-27/19/Add.2 on the activities of the Joint
Inspection Unit and the comments of Director General on its review of
management and administration.
The Group is in the process of evaluating the JIU's Review and the
Director General's comments. A comprehensive evaluation of these documents
would require more time and entail certain clarifications by the
secretariat as well as the study of actual recommendations to be
circulated in IDB 27/CRP.3 and not merely the Executive Summary. An
in-depth discussion on it could therefore be undertaken during the
forthcoming General Conference of UNIDO. The Group would like to draw
attention to the fact that the JIU's Review has taken an unusually long
time of six years for submission. Some of the recommendations and
observations have thus become redundant and overtaken by events. We
understand that UNIDO has already taken cognizance of some observations in
the meanwhile and action is in hand in many cases. Nonetheless the Group
expects that where applicable the Secretariat would take into account the
JIU's observations to improve the programmatic, financial and managerial
efficiency of the Organization.
The Group of 77 and China would like to stress that the Secretariat
should continue to strive for achieving a greater gender balance and
equitable geographical distribution in recruitment for various posts in
UNIDO. Further the vacancy announcements to the Member States should be
made in a timely manner, allotting more time for making nominations. In
this regard it appreciates a growing representation of female professional
staff from the developing countries in the UNIDO Secretariat. The Group
also urges the Secretariat to increase the representation of G-77 and
China in the professional category and International Consultants of UNIDO.
The Group's representation in these categories in particular, does not
represent its potential, capability and equitable geographical proportion
appropriately.
It is hoped that with the allocation of additional funds for
re-costing during the next financial biennium to accommodate the salaries
increased on the General Assembly recommendation, the current high vacancy
ratio in UNIDO Secretariat would be reduced. This should lead to a greater
output, organizational efficiency and increased technical cooperation
delivery.
The Group supports the increased emphasis on human resource
management in UNIDO including job related training to its staff.
The Group of 77 and China takes note of the Report of the Director
General on consultations with non-Member States contained in document IDB
27/20. The Group welcomes Monaco, who has become the 170th State, as well
as Timor-Leste, the 171st State, to join the Organization this year. The
Group appreciates the efforts made in the direction of initiating
membership talks with several non-member states including San Marino,
Antigua and Barbuda, Iceland, Tuvalu, Samoa, Liechtenstein and Singapore
and hopes that these will lead to their membership.
In this regard, the Group also welcomes the formation of the Working
Group to systematically pursue the matter of widening the membership of
the UNIDO through discussions with non-Members and former Members along
with the question of increasing voluntary contributions and recovery of
arrears in assessed contributions. The Group hopes that this would help in
achieving the objective of expanding the membership base of UNIDO.
Thank you Mr. Chairman.
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