Vienna: Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, has been elected as the President of the 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board. This marks the first time that a representative from Pakistan has assumed this prominent position.

The Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) extended congratulations to Ambassador Akhtar, highlighting Pakistan’s active role and contributions to the organization. In his acceptance remarks, Ambassador Akhtar expressed gratitude to UNIDO Member States for their confidence and emphasized his commitment to enhancing the organization’s focus on industrial development in developing countries, Least Developed Countries, and Small Island Developing States.

The election of Ambassador Akhtar underscores the trust placed in Pakistan by the UNIDO Member States. Pakistan maintains a significant diplomatic presence at UNIDO and is dedicated to the organization’s core mission of inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

Pakistan boasts one of the largest portfolios with UNIDO, with numerous ongoing and planned projects valued at over 350 million Euros. These projects have supported various sectors in Pakistan, including textiles, leather, fisheries, food safety, climate action, and renewable energy. Initiatives such as PAIDAR and PAFAID have contributed to poverty alleviation, job creation, and the sustainable development of rural communities.

This year, Pakistan is poised to launch a new cycle of its Country Partnership Program with UNIDO, along with several projects across a range of sectors.