December 17, 2007 | 12:00am
The Philippines has been elected to the policy-making body of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The DFA said the Philippines aims to help in strengthening the organization’s delivery and implementation of technical cooperation to developing countries.
In a report to the DFA, Ambassador to Vienna Linglingay Lacanlale said the Philippines was elected member of the UNIDO Industrial Development Board (IDB) during the recently concluded 12th General Conference of the organization in Vienna, Austria, from Dec. 3 to 7.
The Philippines was elected to the 53-member board after the Asian group comprised of 38 member-countries unanimously endorsed the Philippine candidacy last October.
The IDB is a body within the UNIDO that meets twice a year and gives recommendations on policy matters to the General Conference.
The panel also reviews the implementation of the UNIDO’s work program and budget.
The Philippines was last a member of the IDB in 2005.
In her statement at the General Conference, Lacanlale urged the UNIDO to strengthen its cooperation with the Philippines, noting that the country’s industrial sector accounts for a third of its gross domestic product.
Lacanlale also asked the organization to help the Philippines translate its economic gains into long-term social and economic benefits for the people through technical assistance to raise the performance and productivity of small and medium enterprises, diversify the country’s export base, strengthen international competitiveness, and protect the environment. – Reinir Padua
