Permanent Representative of Belarus to the International Organisations in Vienna A.Dapkiunas meets with the UNIDO Director General
26 March 2025
On March 25, 2025 the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Belarus to the International Organisations in Vienna, Andrei Dapkiunas, met with the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Gerd Müller.
The interlocutors noted with satisfaction the long-term successful cooperation between Belarus and UNIDO. A.Dapkiunas confirmed Belarus' interest in expanding the organisation's project activities in the country.
Possible joint initiatives aimed at expanding the implementation of the Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing potential for accelerated digital transformation in Belarus were discussed. The interlocutors discussed the prospects of launching a UNIDO project in the Great Stone Industrial Park with the involvement of Chinese funding to give this park the status of an eco-industrial park.
During the meeting, the Head of the Permanent Mission of Belarus conveyed to the UNIDO Director General a message from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Maxim Ryzhenkov, with a proposal to extend the Cooperation Framework between the Government of the Republic of Belarus and UNIDO for the next five years.
The UNIDO Director General expressed support for Belarus' approaches aimed at ensuring sustainable industrial development, as well as readiness to expand cooperation, including the extension of the Cooperation Framework for another five-year period.
During the conversation, A.Dapkiunas touched upon the topic of middle-income countries (MICs) and emphasised the special role of UNIDO as the only international organisation with a special partnership framework programme with MICs in helping these countries solve development problems.
The Permanent Representative of Belarus raised the issue of sanctions against Belarusian potash fertilizers, noting the negative impact of such measures on global food security. A.Dapkiunas stressed the important role of international organisations in countering sanctions and condemning the practice of unilateral coercive measures.
UNIDO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, whose statutory purpose is to assist states in the field of industrial modernisation, environmentally friendly and sustainable industrial development, the introduction of new technologies and their adaptation.
Belarus supports the strengthening of UNIDO's leading role in promoting sustainable industrial development, uses the organisation's expertise and capabilities to increase the competitiveness and environmental friendliness of its industry and introduce modern technologies and standards.
In December 2020, the Cooperation Framework between the Government of the Republic of Belarus and UNIDO was signed with an initial period of five years. The programme defines areas for expanding cooperation and joint work, taking into account the priorities of the socio-economic development of Belarus.
Belarus traditionally takes an active part in the work of UNIDO's governing bodies. In November 2023, Belarus was elected for the fifth time to one of the main decision–making bodies of UNIDO, the Industrial Development Board.
