PHL Ambassador to Austria Presents Credentials to UNIDO DG as the New Philippine Permanent Representative to the UNIDO

Philippine Ambassador to Austria Maria Cleofe R. Natividad presenting her credentials to UNIDO Director General Li Yong.

23 February 2018 VIENNA — Philippine Ambassador to Austria Maria Cleofe R. Natividad formally presented her letter of credentials to Director General Li Yong as the new Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Vienna, Austria today. Ambassador Natividad assured DG Li of the support of the Philippines to his leadership and to UNIDO. She also reiterated her commitment to “science and technology diplomacy” and to harnessing Philippine membership in the in UNIDO to support the country’s development goals, particularly in industrialization and innovation.

Director General Li and Ambassador Natividad had a productive discussion on the work of UNIDO and the potential for expanding its current portfolio of projects in the Philippines, which cover the aspects of job creation, energy, and the environment. Ambassador Natividad highlighted President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s policy of promoting of industrialization and infrastructure development as an area of convergence with UNIDO and a platform for high impact projects in the Philippines.   

Director General Li likewise paid tribute to former UNIDO Director-General and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo L. Siazon, Jr., citing his contributions in steering UNIDO during its early and challenging days as a UN specialized agency. He also noted the Philippines’ contribution to UNIDO and shared various experiences of his many travels to the Philippines while he was still with the Chinese Ministry of Finance.  He expressed his admiration on the warmth and industry of the Filipino people.

Director General Li also mentioned the possibility of visiting the Philippines in the near future.

The UNIDO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development to combat poverty. END

For more information, visit www.viennape.dfa.gov.ph/ www.philippine-embassy.at.