Statement by H.E. Mr. Mitsuru Kitano, Permanent Representative, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan at the Opening Session of UNIDO's 50th Anniversary
2016/11/21
Director General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honour for me to be given this valuable opportunity to express the Government of Japan’s most sincere congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
Looking back on the past 50 years, industrialization has been the key in changing the lives of people all over the world. Since UNIDO’s inauguration in 1966, we have witnessed dramatic improvements in the standard of living across the world. Indeed, the global GDP per capita has more than doubled. The number of people living in extreme poverty has declined sharply. We can attribute these achievements largely to industrialization. UNIDO has played an essential role in this transformation. I would like to highly commend each country’s efforts, and UNIDO’s contribution as a sole and unique Organization focused on industrial development.
Japan is proud to have supported UNIDO since its establishment. In the past 50 years, we have consistently and significantly contributed to the financing of UNIDO’s activities. However, our assistance does not only entail financing. We have also shared Japanese technology and know-how based on our own experience of high economic growth. Furthermore, our collaboration with UNIDO extends to a wide range of areas, such as education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, investment promotion, SMEs, and energy and environment, to name a few.
Director General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
With 50 years behind us, it is time to look ahead to a new era, and I am encouraged by the following factors.
First, the Organization has a clear vision of its future direction. Under Director General Li Yong’s strong leadership, UNIDO is committed to the promotion of Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (lSID) which is now embedded in the 2030 Agenda.
Secondly, UNIDO has earned the solid trust of the international community by meeting its growing expectations. This is reflected in a significant rise of voluntary contributions from Member States. The Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III) is another example. UNIDO has been assigned a leading role in the new programme for African development.
Last but not least, UNIDO has been and will continue to be relevant in tackling major challenges faced by the international community. Renewable energy, as an effective measure against global warming and climate change, is one of UNIDO’s main areas of expertise. Job creation stabilizes communities affected by the refugee and migrant crisis. Furthermore, the G20’s new action plan includes the “New Industrial Revolution” in which UNIDO will be actively involved.
Director General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
To conclude, we commend UNIDO’s outstanding achievements over the past 50 years and extend our most sincere wishes for further success of the Organization. Japan is committed to work together with UNIDO for a sustainable future in this commemorative year.
Thank you.
It is a great honour for me to be given this valuable opportunity to express the Government of Japan’s most sincere congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
Looking back on the past 50 years, industrialization has been the key in changing the lives of people all over the world. Since UNIDO’s inauguration in 1966, we have witnessed dramatic improvements in the standard of living across the world. Indeed, the global GDP per capita has more than doubled. The number of people living in extreme poverty has declined sharply. We can attribute these achievements largely to industrialization. UNIDO has played an essential role in this transformation. I would like to highly commend each country’s efforts, and UNIDO’s contribution as a sole and unique Organization focused on industrial development.
Japan is proud to have supported UNIDO since its establishment. In the past 50 years, we have consistently and significantly contributed to the financing of UNIDO’s activities. However, our assistance does not only entail financing. We have also shared Japanese technology and know-how based on our own experience of high economic growth. Furthermore, our collaboration with UNIDO extends to a wide range of areas, such as education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, investment promotion, SMEs, and energy and environment, to name a few.
Director General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
With 50 years behind us, it is time to look ahead to a new era, and I am encouraged by the following factors.
First, the Organization has a clear vision of its future direction. Under Director General Li Yong’s strong leadership, UNIDO is committed to the promotion of Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (lSID) which is now embedded in the 2030 Agenda.
Secondly, UNIDO has earned the solid trust of the international community by meeting its growing expectations. This is reflected in a significant rise of voluntary contributions from Member States. The Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III) is another example. UNIDO has been assigned a leading role in the new programme for African development.
Last but not least, UNIDO has been and will continue to be relevant in tackling major challenges faced by the international community. Renewable energy, as an effective measure against global warming and climate change, is one of UNIDO’s main areas of expertise. Job creation stabilizes communities affected by the refugee and migrant crisis. Furthermore, the G20’s new action plan includes the “New Industrial Revolution” in which UNIDO will be actively involved.
Director General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
To conclude, we commend UNIDO’s outstanding achievements over the past 50 years and extend our most sincere wishes for further success of the Organization. Japan is committed to work together with UNIDO for a sustainable future in this commemorative year.
Thank you.