UNIDO – FAW/n

Starting in January 2022, the current Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Gerd Müller, will assume the position of Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This marks the first time that a candidate from an industrialized country has taken on this role. The position had previously been held by Li Yong of China since 2013.

UNIDO promotes industrial development as a means of combating poverty, while also supporting globalization and environmental sustainability. It serves as an important partner for Germany in advancing global development and creating new jobs in developing countries.

Upon his nomination, Müller stated: “UNIDO can and should become the leading UN agency for implementing the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action on Gender Equality. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals show us the path we must take. We all face enormous challenges – especially the developing countries. But we also have the opportunity to grow stronger together. We must act now, united for a better future!”

Dr. Gerd Müller is highly experienced in 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 extensive international experience. During his eight years as Parliamentary State Secretary, he was particularly committed to issues such as global food security and international agricultural development projects.

Among his most significant initiatives 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.

Further information:

Website of the Federal Ministry

Image source: © Michael Gottschalk/photothek.net

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)

Website of UNIDO

Handelsblatt report

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