Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina[1]  as well as Armenia, align themselves with this statement.

The European Union is strongly attached to its partnership with Africa. At our most recent EU-African Union summit in 2022, European and African leaders agreed to consolidate a renewed partnership for solidarity, security, peace, and sustainable and sustained economic development.

UNIDO already plays an important role in helping us reach this aim. We want to develop this partnership further and accelerate Africa's industrialization. This is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, reducing poverty, and creating job opportunities, particularly for youth and women. Indeed Africa has enormous potential for industrialisation. By helping countries to diversify economically, develop basic infrastructure, and advancing human skills and capacity towards concrete and decent job opportunities, UNIDO can help Africa realise this potential.

UNIDO continues to play a key role in advancing the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa by fostering partnerships, coordinating various initiatives and implementing programmes and projects. We look forward to the evaluation report expected in July next year.

For decades, UNIDO and the EU have worked together in partnership with African countries, regional and continental institutions, and the private sector to support Africa. In 2024, 60% of the EU’s voluntary contributions to UNIDO benefit African countries. They represent a total value of 216 million EUR contributing to the implementation of UNIDO projects and Programmes for Country Partnership (PCP), in line with Africa’s national, regional and continental development strategies.

The EU welcomes UNIDO programmes aiming to create decent jobs in productive sectors by aligning skills with opportunities created by investment, trade and other market dynamics, building sustainable supply chains and promoting compliance with international norms and standards. They support the implementation of a circular economy and the sustainable use of energy in industrial activities. EU funded UNIDO programmes also contribute to integrating African economies into regional and global markets through inclusive, environmentally responsible, and resilient growth across the African continent.

To mention a few examples, the EU supports the West Africa Competitiveness Programme implemented by UNIDO, and similar programmes are underway for other African regions. The EU is providing 40 million EUR for the ‘Trade, Competitiveness and Market Access Programme’, implemented by UNIDO and the International Trade Centre. This programme aims to bolster productive and trade capabilities within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and drive regional integration in line with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The ‘Trade in Service Programme’, worth 8 million EUR, will further contribute to enhancing the overall competitiveness of enterprises which provide services including through digital platforms. The EU is also providing 25 million EUR to UNIDO’s "Youth rising project" in Liberia, to support technical and vocational education and training for young people.

Chair,

To conclude, the EU remains firmly committed to taking forward our partnership with UNIDO in Africa, as a key component of the renewed EU Africa partnership our leaders have called for.

I thank you for your attention.

[1] North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.