UNIS/OUS/RI/019
12 November 2009
UNIDO Least Developed Countries Ministerial Conference to Open in Vienna, 3 December
VIENNA, 12 November (UN Information Service) - The impact of the economic crisis on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) productive capacities and trade prospects will be the focus of a UNIDO Ministerial-level Conference that opens in Vienna on 3 December.
The two-day event is expected to bring together Ministers of Industry and Trade from 49 LDCs, as well as representatives of international organizations and experts in the field.
Participants will focus on issues related to the global recession, including its impact on and implications for industrial development, regional trade and agro-industries. The importance of diversification and technology transfer, as well as building up the industrial competitiveness of LDCs will be on top of the agenda.
UNIDOs findings on the global and regional impact of the crisis and its transmission mechanisms into LDCs will be presented, as will the perspectives of LDC ministers on the impact and lessons of the crisis.
Special attention will be given to the roles and responses of various UN agencies and development partners in supporting LDCs efforts to addressing the crisis.
The event will feature a high-level panel discussion, which will include the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Pascal Lamy, the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Panitchpakdi Supachai, UNIDO Director-General, Kandeh K. Yumkella, and the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Cheick Sidi Diarra.
Arnold Ekpe of the Ecobank Group and winner of the 2008 African Business Leader award, will speak about the implications of the global recession from an African business leaders perspective.
Participants are expected to adopt a Plan of Action to be endorsed by UNIDOs General Conference which opens in Vienna on 7 December.
UNIDO's Conference is one of a series of events leading up to the 2011 global LDCs Conference.
Journalists are invited to cover the event which opens at 10:00, on Thursday, 3 December, in Board Room A, M Building of the Vienna International Centre, and a news conference at 11:30 on 3 December. Another news conference will take place at 17:00 on 4 December, after the closing session.
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For more information on the Conference, please click here:
www.unido.org/ldc-conference/2009
For media accreditation, please contact the UNIDO Public Advocacy and Communication Unit
by clicking here:
http://www.unido.org/index.php?id=6666
For further information, please contact:
George
Assaf
Spokesperson, UNIDO
Telephone: (+43-1) 26026-3849
Email:
g.assaf@unido.org
Website:
www.unido.org
