Vienna: Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations (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 been awarded this significant position.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) congratulated Ambassador Kamran Akhtar and commended Pakistan’s dedication and contributions to the organization. Ambassador Akhtar expressed his gratitude to all UNIDO Member States for their confidence in him and reiterated his commitment to enhancing the organization’s role in industrial development, especially in developing countries, Least Developed Countries, and Small Island Developing States.

The election of Ambassador Akhtar reflects the trust placed in Pakistan by the UNIDO Member States. Pakistan maintains an active diplomatic presence at UNIDO, demonstrating its commitment to the organization’s core mission of inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

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

This year, Pakistan plans to launch a new cycle of its Country Partnership Program with UNIDO, alongside several projects in different sectors.