UNIDO

United Nations Industrial Development Organization, UNIDO was established as a UN Programme in 1966, although it did not become an independent specialized agency until 1985. UNIDO is based in Vienna but maintains liaison offices in Geneva, New York and other field offices around the world.

Activities

UNIDO is the central coordinating body for industrial activities and international industrial cooperation. It provides a global forum to serve developing and industrialized countries in their contact with each another and promotes industrial development in developing countries as well as countries with economies in transition. The main areas of concern of the UNIDO are

1. transfer of technology
2. policy advice
3. environment
4. energy.

The UNIDO provides advisers and other assistance, mostly in terms of

• information
• education
• research

Structure

The General Conference, comprised of all member states, meets every two years to approve the work programme and budget, adopt conventions and elect the members of the Industrial Development Board and the Director General.

The Industrial Development Board consists of 53 members. It normally meets once a year to review the implementation of the work programme and budget and make recommendations to the General Conference.

The Programme and Budget Committee, composed of 27 members, is a subsidiary organ of the Industrial Development Board. It normally meets once a year to assist the Board in their preparation of the work programme.