The European Union and its Member States commended the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for strong results in 2025, including a 31% increase in net approvals of voluntary contributions to EUR 407 million and a 15% rise in technical cooperation delivery, according to an EU statement delivered on 22 June 2026 at the UNIDO Industrial Development Board. The statement, issued by the EU Delegation to International Organisations in Vienna, also welcomed the return of the United Kingdom to UNIDO as a turning point for the organisation.
The EU statement, delivered on behalf of the bloc and aligned countries including Albania, Norway, and Ukraine, acknowledged outcomes of UNIDO's 21st General Conference in 2025, such as the Riyadh Declaration and resolutions on circular economy, energy-industrialisation in Africa, gender equality, and food security. EU support for UNIDO programmes reached EUR 61 million in 2025, contributing to inclusive and sustainable industrial transition, trade competitiveness, renewable energy, and food safety. Five EU Member States ranked among the top 10 providers of voluntary contributions, and four among the top 10 providers of assessed contributions.
The EU praised UNIDO's expanding work in clean energy and sustainable supply chains, including initiatives like the FairShare Programme and the Global Alliance for Responsible and Green Minerals. It noted the successful organisation of the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum with Austria. On governance, the EU stressed the importance of strong oversight, noting progress in ethics management and accountability, including an 86% implementation rate of Management Action Plans. However, it called for strengthening the Office of Evaluation and Internal Oversight's investigation capacity and for full implementation of workforce planning and IT access controls. The EU also highlighted UNIDO's gender equality achievements, with 71% of work contributing to gender equality and a 94% compliance rate with the UN System-wide Action Plan on Gender Equality for the third consecutive year. It urged sustained progress towards gender parity, including at senior levels, and predictable funding for gender functions.
The statement concluded by calling on all states to abide by international law and protect civilians in conflicts, and welcomed the UK's return to UNIDO as a sign that the organisation is on the right track.