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UNIDO Participates in the 9th Governing Council Session of the UN Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries (UNTBLDCs), Supporting a Bold New Strategic Plan

Istanbul, 31 January 2025 – The 2025-2027 Strategic Plan for the UN Technology Bank (UNTB), titled “Delivering Results for the Least Developed Countries,” has been officially approved by the Governing Council during its 9th Session in Istanbul, Türkiye. The plan sets a bold new direction for leveraging Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) to drive sustainable development in the 44 Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), holding observer status in the Council, was represented by Ana Paula Nishio de Sousa, Chief of the Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Division, who attended the session from January 30–31, 2025.

A transformative new chapter for the UN Technology Bank

Addressing the session, Rabab Fatima, Under Secretary-General of UN-OHRLLS, emphasized the significance of the new strategic plan, stating:

“This Strategic Plan will set the stage for a transformative new chapter for the UN Technology Bank.”

During the meeting, Deodat Maharaj, Managing Director of the UNTB, highlighted the opportunities for the Bank, particularly in leveraging momentum from the 2024 UN Pact for the Future and its Digital Compact, which provides an inclusive framework for bridging the digital divide in LDCs. With only 35% of citizens in LDCs currently using the internet, this remains a critical area for intervention.

UNIDO recognizes the special status and vulnerability of LDCs and promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development as one of the key drivers of structural transformation. UNIDO’s dedicated support to the LDCs is enshrined in UNIDO’s Operational Strategy for the LDCs 2022-2031, the bi-annual Ministerial Conferences of the LDCs and its extensive technical assistance portfolio, UNIDO expressed its willingness to further partner with UNTB on their various common goals. 

Key takeaways and strategic priorities

Discussions at the session underscored several key priorities for the UN Technology Bank, including:

  • Investing in science, technology, and innovation (STI) – Driving investments and building capacities, while helping to create an enabling climate for STI.
  • Strengthening policy engagement – Working closely with policymakers to drive progress in high-priority areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.
  • Enhancing knowledge brokering – Expanding the UN Technology Bank’s role in connecting governments, research institutions, and the private sector to deliver practical solutions and foster job creation.

UNIDO’s role in advancing STI for sustainable development

As a global leader in industrial development and innovation, UNIDO remains committed to supporting the UNTB’s efforts in harnessing STI to drive inclusive and sustainable industrialization in LDCs. The newly approved UNTB Strategic Plan aligns with UNIDO’s mission to foster technological innovation, digital transformation, and industrial capacity-building in the world’s most vulnerable economies.

Opening the session, Prof. Hasan Mandal, Chair of the UNTB Governing Council, remarked:

“This meeting is of particular importance as it represents both a culmination of our efforts over the past year and an opportunity to shape our future.”

His sentiments were echoed by Rabab Fatima, who reaffirmed the UNTB’s commitment to creating sustainable development pathways through technology and innovation.

UNIDO is also pleased to announce that the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations (WAITRO), Istanbul Technical University (ITU), and the UN Technology Bank (UNTB) have officially joined the UNIDO AIM Global Alliance at the margins of the Council session. This partnership marks a significant step toward bridging the digital and industrial gap and ensuring that science, technology, and innovation (STI) are accessible to all.

Looking ahead

UNTB’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan will provide LDCs with greater access to knowledge, policy guidance, and capacity-building tailored to their unique development needs. UNIDO will continue to collaborate closely with the UN Technology Bank and other stakeholders to empower LDCs with the tools needed to thrive in the digital economy.

 

For more information, please contact: aim-global@unido.org

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