Vienna: The Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, has been elected as President of the 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board. This is the first occasion on which Pakistan has been accorded this significant role. The Director General of UNIDO extended congratulations to Ambassador Akhtar and acknowledged Pakistan’s dedication and contributions to the organization. Ambassador Akhtar expressed gratitude to all UNIDO Member States for their confidence in him and affirmed his commitment to enhancing the organization’s role in industrial development, focusing on developing countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the election reflects the confidence that UNIDO Member States have in Pakistan. Pakistan, like other Vienna-based international organizations, maintains a proactive diplomatic profile at UNIDO and is committed to the organization’s core mandate of inclusive and sustainable industrial development. Pakistan boasts one of the largest portfolios with UNIDO, with ongoing and planned projects valued at over Euro 350 million. UNIDO has supported various sectors in Pakistan, including textiles, leather, fisheries, food safety, climate action, and renewable energy. Additionally, projects such as PAIDAR and PAFAID have contributed to poverty alleviation, job creation, and sustainable growth in rural communities. This year, Pakistan plans to launch a new cycle of its Country Partnership Program with UNIDO, along with several projects in various sectors.