Vienna: Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN (Vienna), Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, has been elected as President of the 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board. This marks the first time Pakistan has achieved this significant position.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization congratulated Ambassador Kamran Akhtar and highlighted Pakistan’s dedication and contributions to the organization. Ambassador Kamran Akhtar expressed gratitude to all UNIDO Member States for their confidence and committed to enhancing the organization’s role in industrial development, focusing on developing countries, Least Developed Countries, and Small Island Developing States.

The election is a testament to the trust placed in Pakistan by UNIDO Member States. Pakistan maintains an active diplomatic presence at UNIDO, aligned with the organization’s core mission of promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

Pakistan boasts one of the largest portfolios with UNIDO, with ongoing and planned projects exceeding 350 million Euros. The organization has supported various sectors in Pakistan, including textile, leather, fisheries, food safety, climate action, and renewable energy. Projects like PAIDAR and PAFAID have contributed to poverty alleviation, job creation, and sustainable rural growth.

This year, Pakistan plans to initiate a new cycle of its Country Partnership Program with UNIDO, introducing several projects across different sectors.