UNIS/INF/317
28 January 2009
Re-issued as received
Samoa joins UNIDO as 173rd Member State
VIENNA, 28 January (UN Information Service) - The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) welcomes Samoa as its 173rd Member State.
The required instrument of accession has been deposited by the Government of Samoa with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The UNIDO Constitution entered into force for Samoa on 11 December 2008, the date of deposit of the instrument of accession, in accordance with article 25(2)(c) of the Constitution.
UNIDO is implementing a project on renewable energy development for electricity generation and productive uses in Samoa and Solomon Islands. The main objective of this Austrian-funded project, with a budget of USD 250,000, is to promote renewable energy sources to provide modern energy services and support productive uses in the region. The project is also supporting efforts made by the Pacific Island States to move away from energy consumption and supply patterns based on conventional fossil fuels towards more environmentally sustainable and sound renewable energy technologies, as well as more efficient uses of energy to enhance energy security. It will address and mitigate those barriers that are hampering the development of a vibrant market for renewable energy technologies in the Pacific Region.
UNIDO is also planning to provide assistance to Samoa to prepare a hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) phase out plan for the country.
As a Least Developed Country (LDC), Samoa has attended the UNIDO LDC Ministerial Meetings held in Vienna, Austria, November 2007 and Siam Reap, Cambodia, November 2008.
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UNIDO is a specialized agency of the United Nations system that works towards improving the quality of life of the world's poor by helping countries achieve sustainable industrial development. UNIDO views industrial development as a means of creating employment and income to overcome poverty. It helps developing countries and economies in transition to produce goods they can trade on the global market. It also helps provide the tools - training, technology, and investment - to make them competitive. At the same time, it encourages production processes that will neither harm the environment nor place too heavy a burden on a country's limited energy resources. UNIDO has 173 Member States and has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria. See also www.unido.org
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For further information, please contact:
Chin
Chua
Chief, Asia and the Pacific Programme
Telephone: (+43-1) 26026-4789
Email:
C.Chua@unido.org
Website:
www.unido.org
