OPENING STATEMENT
DELIVERED BY
H.E. AMBASSADOR ALI ASGHAR SOLTANIEH
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
PRESIDENT OF THE 31ST SESSION OF
THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF
THE UNITED NATIONS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION
6-7 JUNE 2006, VIENNA
In the Name of God
Excellencies
Honorable Ministers
Director General
Distinguished Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen
I would like to thank the members of the Board for electing me and other members of the bureau for the current year and I am confident that with their support and cooperation we will have a very fruitful session. Allow me also to thank my predecessor H.E. Ambassador Stelzer and other members of the outgoing Bureau for their outstanding work over the past year as well as the Secretariat for their continuing efforts.
The 31st session of the Board is a special one. Because it is the first session we are holding during Mr. Kandeh Yumkela's tenure as UNIDO's new Director-General. In this regard I would like to express my warmest congratulations to him and wish for his success in the fulfillment of the Organization's mandates and programmes. I deeply believe that under his able leadership, UNIDO will become more efficient and strong.
Dr. Yumkella, I would like to assure you of the full support from the member states and to stress that you can count on us as your valuable partners in the accomplishment of your tremendous responsibility.
I also avail this opportunity to welcome the ministerial delegations from Syria, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire and Angola who are participated at this session.
I would like to take this occasion to extend our solidarity and deepest condolences to the people and the government of Indonesia for the recent devastating earthquake in that country.
UNIDO has a clear and unique mandate to help developing countries to achieve their goals for sustainable industrial and economic development and compete in the global market. Supporting productive activities will create jobs, alleviate poverty and bring peace and prosperity to people.
In Persian language we have a saying: "if you like somebody teach him to fish, but if you really love somebody teach him to manufacture fishing net." And I truthfully believe that UNIDO is the appropriate organization that can help not only to produce fishing net and many other products but also to improve trade capacity.
This year, we are going to celebrate the 40th anniversary of UNIDO's establishment which has become as one of the most important specialized agencies with 171 Member States. In these years the Organization confronted with many challenges to make a difference in improving people's lives. At the present time we are facing with new global industrial challenges that shape UNIDO's activities in many ways. UNIDO also has a crucial role to play in achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
The 2005 Summit Outcomes reaffirmed UNIDO's mandate and its relevant programme to promote the development of the productive sectors in developing countries. The participation of UNIDO in the high-level plenary meeting of the UNGA in September 2005 created a proper opportunity to enhance its visibility and to demonstrate its firm commitment to the UN reform.
The cooperation agreement with UNIDO is a good example of UNIDO's willingness for partnership and collaboration in the framework of new challenges. Approaching the end of the pilot phase and forthcoming evaluation will help us to take note of its achievements.
I would appreciate the special efforts of Director General for organizational restructuring, setting up of a new field mobility policy of staff members as well as the formulation of new evaluation policy. It is expected that these measures could optimize the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of the Organization.
The development of cooperational activities at regional level such as regional programme for Latin America and the Caribbean is an appropriate approach to develop and promote South-South cooperation and reproduce the efficiency of UNIDO's activities.
I have confidence that with the new leadership and with new initiatives and programmatic approaches which are taking place in the Organization, and in particular with the support and cooperation of all member states, UNIDO will be able more than ever before to response articulately to these challenges and be active and visible in international community. The combined efforts of all could make a difference. In conclusion, once again, I assure you all that I would spare no effort in fulfilling your expectation on which you entrusted me. I certainly count on your valuable support.
Thank you for your attention.
