UNIDO Director General Pays Courtesy Call on Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy and Acting Secretary Enrique A. Manalo receives United Nations Industrial Development Organization Director General Mr. Li at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City on 22 June 2018. (DFA photo)
MANILA 25 June 2018 – United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Director General Mr. Li Yong paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy and Acting Secretary Enrique A. Manalo at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City on 22 June 2018.
Director General Li thanked Acting Secretary Manalo for receiving him and noted the enhanced partnership between the Philippine Government and UNIDO. He said that UNIDO, as a specialized agency of the UN that promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability, is determined to do its part in facilitating the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in developing countries like the Philippines.
Li commended the Duterte administration for accelerating economic growth of the country through its “Build, Build, Build” programs. He noted that that the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2030 is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with the objective of leaving no one behind.
Mr Li Yong expressed his confidence that the 25th year anniversary of the basic cooperation agreement between UNIDO and the Philippines will further strengthen the partnership to boost the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. He disclosed that UNIDO will launch extensive programs in Asia that will promote digital infrastructure, information and communication technology, e-commerce, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The UNIDO Director General also recalled the past accomplishments of his predecessor, former Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr., for transforming the organization into a more vibrant specialized agency when he assumed as Director General in 1985.
He also cited the hosting of the Philippines in 2009 of the Green Industrial Conference, which further promoted partnerships and cooperation agreements among relevant stakeholders.
In his response, Acting Secretary Manalo extended the personal wishes of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano to Director General Li, and thanked him for including a trip to the Philippines prior to his scheduled Global Environment Facility meeting in Vietnam.
Acting Secretary Manalo also expressed the Government’s appreciation for UNIDO’s projects and forthcoming initiatives in the Philippines in the fields of green industrial revolution, renewable energy, climate and disaster risk resiliency, among others.
He also thanked the Director General for the draft Country Programme of UNIDO, which contains its strategic priorities and projects in the Philippines
The Acting Secretary assured Director General Li of the DFA’s commitment and support in terms of coordination with UNIDO’s partner agencies in the Philippines in connection with the proposed projects for 2018, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of between UNIDO and the Philippines. END
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Director General Li Yong presents Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy and Acting Secretary Enrique A. Manalo with a UNIDO commemorative plate and publications during the former’s courtesy call at the Department of Foreign Affairs Home Office in Pasay City. (DFA photo)
Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs presents UNIDO Director General Li Yong a token of appreciation for his official visit to the Philippines. (DFA photo)
(Shown from left to right), UNIDO official, UN Resident Coordinator Ola Almgren, UNIDO Country Representative Tonilyn Lim, UNIDO DG Li Yong, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, Philippine Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to UNIDO Ma. Cleofe Natividad, NEDA official, UNIO Acting Assistant Secretary Noralyn Jubaira-Baja, Vienna PM Second Secretary Bolivar Bao, UNIDO Director Roberto G. Manalo. (DFA photo)