ABSTRACT
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) began operations in 1967, as an autonomous organization within the UN Secretariat, and became a specialized agency of the UN in 1985. In December 2013 UNIDO's General Conference, convened in Peru, adopted the Lima Declaration, which emphasized the organization's renewed commitment towards achieving inclusive and sustainable industrial development. UNIDO has developed national programmes for 24 African countries; these have emphasized capacity building for the enhancement of industrial competitiveness and private sector development. In June 2012 UNIDO, with the UN Environment Programme and the UN Global Compact, launched a Green Industry Platform, which aimed to mainstream climate, environmental and social dimensions into business operations. With the Global Environment Fund, UNIDO has developed a Global Cleantech Innovation Programme, which aimed to promote affordable and transferable sustainable industrial solutions.
