Vienna Chapter
Mr. President,
1. On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I would like to
congratulate you on your election as the President of the current
Industrial Development Board meeting. The Group is confident that you will
steer the IDB with great skill. The Group is therefore confident that this
session will bear a fruitful conclusion. I also take this opportunity to
congratulate other members of the Bureau on their election and would also
like to thank your predecessor His Excellency Ambassador Zniber, Permanent
Representative of Morocco, for his commendable leadership of the previous
IDB.
Mr. President,
It is with deep sadness and sorrow that the Group of 77 and China
learned of the tragic and untimely passing away of the Ambassador of South
Africa His Excellency Professor Alfred T. Moleah on 28 May 2005. In paying
tribute to this dedicated multilateralist we recall the invaluable
contribution Professor Moleah made to both the Group of 77 and China and
the diplomatic fraternity in Vienna and the VIC. The Group expresses its
deepest condolences and sympathy to his family and friends. Ambassador
Moleah's contribution to consensus building in Vienna will be greatly
missed by us all.
Allow me to express the Group's sincere appreciation for the
arrangements of the meeting as well as the provision of the necessary
documentation by the Secretariat.
Mr. President,
2. Recognising the important role the Director General has made for
our organisation, the Group of 77 and China commends Mr Carlos Magariños
for the overwhelming dedication he has shown in shaping the revitalisation
and modernisation of UNIDO in the past 8 years. We have found his opening
remarks comprehensive and useful. His reflection of UNIDO's success story
and past achievements and future challenges leave us with hope and
inspiration to move forward the industrial development agenda. The Group
expresses its unreserved appreciation to the outstanding contribution the
Director General and the Secretariat team has made to our organisation.
3. The Group would be making comments on the Agenda items 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 in the course of discussions on these items. I would
restrict my intervention to comment on item 3 for this opening statement.
Mr. President,
1. The Group of 77 and China takes note of the document IDB 30/2
which is the Annual Report for 2004.
2. The high-level of technical cooperation delivery of USD 98.8
million achieved in the year 2004 is commendable. This figure is even
higher than the levels reached in 1997 when the regular budget was 20%
more than the present level. There is also a significant increase in the
technical cooperation delivery per staff member by 28% between 1997 and
2004. Sustained efforts should be made to build on this achievement.
3. The agreement signed with UNDP last year has far reaching
implications for the nature of field representation of the organization.
This is also expected to improve inter-agency cooperation at the national
level and is significant in the context of the UN reform process. The
initiative needs careful implementation and regular monitoring to achieve
the desired results. UNIDO also started finalization of its strategic
long-term vision last year in consultation with its member states. This
should help in focusing UNIDO's activities in line with its core strengths
and comparative advantages to deliver meaningful technical cooperation.
4. The Group takes note of and welcomes the projects undertaken by
UNIDO to promote South-South cooperation.
5. The establishment of the four new Programme Approval Committees
and the adoption of thematic and results based approach for the
formulation of the programme and budget proposals are important
developments. We agree that the concept of Results Based Management (RBM)
should be built into integrated programmes and projects during the initial
formulation stage. Identification of clear and realistic objectives and
outcomes, including result indicators is necessary.
6. We take note of the tabulated summary provided with regard to
technical cooperation (TC) delivery in select areas of competitive
economy, sound environment and productive employment. The global forum
activities of the organization should be carefully focused to complement
the technical cooperation projects.
7. The evaluation of UNIDO's programmes in select countries carried
out during 2004 should help in refining the technical cooperation
guidelines. Appropriate and careful planning, defining clear indicators of
performance and results, adequate funds mobilization would further improve
delivery.
Mr. President,
1. The Group of 77 and China takes note of document IDB. 30/12 /Add.2
and PBC conclusion 2004/6 which referred the matter of the financing of
UNIDO's share of the second phase of security enhancement at the VIC to
this session of the Board. The Group considers the option of supplementary
appropriations as an agreable way in the biennium 2004-2005 for the
financing of the second phase amounting to €1.1 million as UNIDO's
share for security enhancement.
2. However, the Group considers that the two additional projects
should be given careful examination by the Board. With regard to window
replacement, the group is concerned that the replacement of window with
laminated anti shattering glass has started along with the asbestos
removal projects while its funding was still not secured. The Group is of
the view that the other costs of 2.5 million Euros for window replacement
as suggest in document IDB.30/12 can be covered through the available cash
in the BMS. The Group does not consider the installation of the
radio-frequency ground passes as a priority at this stage.
3. The Group takes note that the funds required for security
obligations with regard to window replacement are reduced to the
incremental costs of the anti-shattering glass only. Therefore, the Group
is of the view that covering the incremental cost of installing amounting
to €1.5million should be by supplementary appropriations with a UNIDO
share amounting to €0.24 million.
4. The Group is of the view that any future measures with respect to
Security Enhancement by the Secretariat should be proposed only after
consultations with and by approval of Member States.
Mr. President,
1. The Group of 77 and China is of the view that in order to achieve
the objectives set by Member States in implementing the mandate of the
organization, the Secretariat needs to be provided with appropriate human
and financial resources, both in terms of ordinary budget and voluntary
contributions.
2. The Group of 77 and China believes in the need to increase the
resources directly related to Major Programmes C, D, E and F. However, in
the spirit of compromise, the Group decided to accept Secretariat
proposals despite the reduction of 2% in these programmes.
3. The Group of 77 and China has actively participated in the work of
the twenty-first session of the Programme and Budget Committee and it
shares the conclusions reached. Therefore, the Group calls upon all Member
States to show flexibility to reach a consensus on the figures of the
programme and budget 2006-2007.
Mr. President,
1. The G-77 and China wishes to commend the strategies put in place
by UNIDO towards the implementation of the Medium-Term Programme Framework
(MTPF) and especially the realization of the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs). The Group notes with appreciation, the joint UNIDO-UNDP initiative
towards the enhancement of private sector development by enlarging UNIDO's
field presence in up to 80 countries. It is imperative that the necessary
requirements needed to commence the take-off of some of the field offices
be put in place as soon as possible so as to reinforce the joint
cooperation and to ensure greater synergies.
2. As regards investment and technology promotion, the implementation
of the medium-term programme, the Group acknowledges the vast potential
such activities have towards boosting technical cooperation activities
aimed at strengthening national capacities directed at attracting foreign
direct investment (FDI) through South-South cooperation. The Group is
pleased to learn that such undertakings have already led to the extension
of assistance to some national Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) due to
the capacities upgrades through training and establishment of new
programmatic areas.
Mr. President,
3. The Group is of the view that greater efforts should be geared
towards the enhancement of cooperation activities with diverse
multilateral Organizations in order to harness the implementation of MTPF
in the area of trade-capacity building through technical cooperation
methods that will assist developing countries and transition economies.
4. The Group appreciates UNIDO's efforts in the area of
capacity-building training programmes and the extension of support
services to the relevant government institution, private sector
associations as well as cluster-to-cluster cooperation activities. Such
initiatives will definitely enhance the resources of small enterprises
that supply mainly the national markets but will invariably grow into
export markets. An extension of such services to more developing countries
and LDCs will, in the long run, will lead to poverty reduction in such
areas.
5. As regards sustainable energy and climate change, UNIDO's energy
programmes that aim at providing modern energy services and promoting
income-generating activities, quite commendable since efficient use of
energy reduces pollution, reduces energy intensity and improves
productivity and competitiveness. Such initiatives should be reinforced
and given wider coverage in developing countries and LDCs so as to ensure
the realization of the laudable objectives of the MDGs. In this
connection, efforts should be geared towards the promotion of business
partnerships to support energy efficiency and cleaner technologies.
Mr. President,
6. The G-77 and China is fully aware that financing plays a crucial
role in carrying out UNIDO's projects in various fields. The Group notes
with satisfaction that UNIDO is making progress with the mobilization of
funds for projects in the field of sustainable energy and climate change.
It encourages UNIDO to finalise the negotiations with potential donors
such as Austria, Italy and Japan for funding projects under the Clean
Development Mechanism (CDM) in Algeria, Cameroon, China, Côte
d'Ivoire, Morocco, South Africa and Vietnam. At the same time, the Group
requests the Secretariat to double its efforts in exploring more financing
channels for all service modules.
Mr. President,
1. The G-77 and China takes note of annex to document IDB.30/8,
PBC.21/8, which presents the follow up of the recommendations of the
External Auditor contained in his report on UNIDO accounts for the
biennium 2002-2003.
2. The Group also notes with satisfaction that implementation of some
recommendations is at different stages of completion. The G-77 and China
encourages the Secretariat to intensify its efforts for fully
implementing, as early as possible, all the remaining recommendations.
Mr. President,
3. The G-77 and China, in line with the External Auditor's
recommendation would like to emphasize on a need for an objective analysis
of the skills and resources for OCG functions. The Group would like the
results of the requested analysis to be shared with the Member States as
soon as possible.
Mr. President,
1. The G-77 and China takes note of the document IDB.30/17, the
progress report by the Director General on the implementation of the
UNIDO-UNDP Cooperation Agreement.
2. The Group notes that for the purpose of identifying the locations
of the UNIDO desks (UDs) for the pilot phase of the Agreement, the
Secretariat has applied the criteria defined and the indicators developed
in November 2004. The G-77 and China, however, understands that the future
placement of UDs would be guided not only by these criteria but also the
improvements suggested to them by the G-77 and China, as well as the
experience gained so far in this field. Needless to mention that
location/conversion of a UNIDO Country Office to a UD in a country would
take place in close consultation with the concerned country.
3. The G-77 and China is encouraged by the projected figure of
opening of 14 UDs by this session so as to increase UNIDO field
representation by almost 50% what it was before the conclusion of the
Cooperation Agreement. The Group hopes that greater field representation
leads to greater fulfilment of UNIDO mandate.
4. The Group appreciates the information that UNIDO-UNDP joint
programme development has progressed well and in a constructive spirit,
with a positive feedback from all stakeholders. The G-77 and China notes
that three programmes have been fully formulated while a number of them
are at various stages of development. It is hoped that once the process
gains momentum and practices and procedures are evolved, the pace of
project formulation/implementation will rise considerably.
5. The G-77 and China is encouraged by the fact that the UNIDO-UNDP
Agreement has attracted the attention of various donor agencies. The Group
hopes that UNIDO will work towards translating this interest into greater
fund availability for the Organization. The G-77 and China notes the
mention of other UN agencies joining the initiative, and requests the
Secretariat for provision of additional information on this point.
6. The Group also takes note that eight UDs were operational by
mid-May 2005, while opening procedures for another twelve were at
different stages. However, the Group notes that The eight UDs are
operational without having a clear project to implement and therefore
requests the Secretariat to develop program documents related to the joint
UNIDO-UNDP technical cooperation projects as soon as possible in order to
allow a proper functioning of the UDs. The Group considers holding of the
training sessions and preparation of operational guideline an important
step towards implementation of the Agreement.
7. To capitalise upon the strengths and successes of the Organization
and to ensure continuation of the same in the long term, the G-77 and
China would request the Secretariat to draw comprehensive future plans
keeping in view the scenario expected after pilot phase and the completion
of the Agreement. This would ensure a smooth transformation.
8. The G-77 and China looks forward to the assessment of the pilot
phase.
Mr. President,
1. The Group of 77 and China takes note of the document IDB 29/6-PBC
20/6 which contain the proposals of the Director General with regard to
the Medium term Programme Framework (MTPF) 2006-2009.
2. We note that the MTPF for the years 2006-2009 is expected to
evolve from and maintain broad continuity with the current MTPF. There is
an overlap period of two years between the two MTPFs which should help in
maintaining this broad continuity. We hope that the MTPF 2006-2009 would
conform closely to the Strategic Long Term Vision Statement presently
under finalisation.
Thank you Mr. President.
Mr. President,
1. The Group of 77 and China has carefully examined document
IDB.30/23 and appreciates the efforts made by the Secretariat in drafting
the Long-term Vision Statement. However, the Group still considers that
further amendments should be taken into consideration.
2. The Group believes that the following aspects should also be given
consideration in the preparation of the LTVS: § Sharpening of the
focus area "poverty alleviation through productive activities in
non-farm sector" into three more specific areas mainly
agro-industries, technology diffusion and transfer and SME development,
which will allow UNIDO to further focus its activities. §
Implementation of UNIDO services in line with national priorities and
defining, when required, of new focus areas keeping in view the changes
taking place. § Various mechanisms for enhancement of South-South
cooperation including establishment of a special unit on South-South
cooperation, identification of focal points, setting up of a special fund,
etc. § Formulation of achievable targets and the ways to assess
Organizations' performance against achievement of these targets § The
shape of field structure after completion of pilot phase/cooperation
agreement with UNDP § Finding new and reliable avenues of funding §
Expansion in the membership, recovery of arrears, mechanisms to avoid such
situation in the future, etc. § Administrative/management efficiency
e.g. optimal utilization of human and financial resources, enhancement of
the capacities of professional staff
3. The Group is of the view current draft may be submitted as a zero
draft to the General Conference with a note that a strategic long-term
vision statement still under preparation with the assistance of Member
States.
Mr. President,
1. The G-77 and China takes note of the document IDB.30/14, the
report by the Director General on the Activities of the Joint Inspection
Unit (JIU).
2. The Group appreciates that most of the recommendations, contained
in the reports of relevance to UNIDO issued by the JIU since 28th IDB last
year, are either already in practice at UNIDO or being addressed by the
Secretariat.
3. The G-77 and China notes with satisfaction Secretariat's comment
on the JIU 'Report on the Review of Headquarters Agreements' that the
majority of the recommendations contained in this report are supported by
the provisions in the UNIDO's Headquarters Agreement and have long been
practised. The Group is sympathetic to the introduction in Vienna of the
remaining recommendations and the good practices of other UN stations and
requests their consideration by the host government.
4. The G-77 and China is of the view that the recommendations of the
Series of JIU 'Reports on Managing for Results in the UN System' is of
direct relevance and use for the UNIDO since it is also working towards
Result based Management.
5. The Group considers the JIU 'Report on Procurement Practices
within the UN System' and the 'Report on Harmonization of the Conditions
of Travel throughout the UN System' to be of great benefit to UNIDO
particularly the former as there have been made some observations by the
External Auditor on the procurement system of the Organization. The G-77
urges upon the Secretariat to give immediate attention to this matter.
6. The G-77 and China looks forward to the information on compliance
with JIU recommendations and the follow up thereon currently being
compiled by the JIU.
Mr. President,
1. With reference to item 12 of the Agenda, the G-77 and China take
note of the document IDB.30/15 referred to Personnel Matters. This
document provides clear information about the strategy of the Organization
in reference to recruitment and emphasizes its impact in the work of the
Secretariat. For this reason it is recommended to keep with the process of
specialization of the UNIDO's staff.
2. The G-77 and China encourages the Secretariat to continue its
commitment to Human Resources Management Framework aimed at creating a
leaner institution with management excellence and greater professionalism.
The G-77 and China acknowledges that the effects of introduction of HRM
Framework have already started appearing.
3. The G-77 and China notes that, one of the results of the HRM
Framework is that the average education level of the staff joining the
Organization has risen upwards. The Group expects that this higher level
of academic qualification will translate into greater specialization in
the areas of competence of the Organization.
4. The Group appreciates another outcome of HRM Framework, the
increase in the female representation at the senior level post from 5% to
21%. The G-77 and China also considers useful the initiative of extension
of advertising coverage, with the aim of achieving gender balance, to the
relevant associations of the professional women throughout the world.
5. The G-77 and China welcomes the recruitment from all the regions
for professional level regular appointments during the period May 2001-
March 2005. Yet it would like to draw Secretariat's attention to further
improvements in the recruitment process so as to achieve a fair balance
among various regional groups and also with respect to gender ratio of the
staff composition. The Group feels that there is a need for greater
emphasis on recruitment from countries un- or under-represented.
6. The G-77 and China would urge the Secretariat to continue
according, in the recruitment policy, due regard to merit and efficiency
as well.
7. The Group is of the view that to attain higher degree of technical
cooperation and to reflect adequate regional equity, it is necessary to
make optimal use of all human resources. Therefore the Group of 77 and
China requests the Secretariat to consider as soon as possible the
designation of the Director for the Latin American Regional Bureau. Thank
you, Mr. President.
Mr. President,
Distinguished delegates,
The Designate Director General, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella,
On behalf of the G-77 and China, I would like to warmly congratulate
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella for having been elected as the new Director-General of
UNIDO. The Group strongly believes that with your excellent qualification
and long-term commitment to this Organization, you certainly deserve
having this prestigious position. We are gratified that the election
process went so smoothly, which can be taken as a sign of the broad
support you enjoy.
After having examined your vision and mission last week in the G-77
plenary meeting and after having clearly listened to your presentation
just now, I am very pleased with your strong courage to undertake this
more and more challenging job in assisting the industrial development of
developing countries. The Group is looking forward to cooperating closely
with you in our future efforts.
Once again congratulation Dr. Yumkella!
Thank you Mr. President.
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