Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development Dr. Gerd Müller Nominated as Candidate for UNIDO
On November 13, 2020, the Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development Dr. Gerd Müller was nominated by the German Federal Cabinet as a candidate for the position of Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
UNIDO promotes industrial development as a means of combating poverty, fostering globalization, and ensuring environmental sustainability. It is an important partner for Germany in promoting global development and creating new jobs in developing countries.
According to the German government, there are “other strong candidates for the election in November 2021.” However, no other candidates have yet been officially announced. So far, the position of Director General has always been held by men from developing or emerging countries. If elected, Dr. Gerd Müller would be the first European to assume this role.
Dr. Müller is highly familiar with international development cooperation and economic development. Since 2013, he has served as Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development. Through his participation in parliamentary assemblies of African, Caribbean, and Pacific states, he has gained significant international experience. During his eight years as Parliamentary State Secretary, he placed particular emphasis on global food security and international agricultural development projects.
Among the most notable initiatives he launched are the Green Button (Grüner Knopf), the Alliance for Development and Climate, and the Marshall Plan with Africa. FAW/n played a key role in the conceptualization and implementation of the latter two initiatives.
Other major achievements of his tenure include the expansion of cooperation with Africa, the “One World – No Hunger” initiative, his commitment to international climate protection, and close collaboration with the private sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to supporting immediate health responses, he also worked to preserve jobs in developing countries, as poorer nations and their populations have been hit hardest by the crisis — for them, the pandemic could result in a lost decade.
Further information
Website of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Image source: © Michael Gottschalk/photothek.net
