For information only - not an official document
UNIS/OUS/187
29 April 2013
VIENNA, 29 April 2013 (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) - Seven candidates from countries of the European Union, Asia, and Africa have been nominated by their respective governments to succeed the current Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Kandeh K. Yumkella, whose term in office expires later this year.
Director General Yumkella said: "The fact that seven Member States have submitted nominations for candidates to succeed me in a few weeks as Director General of our Organization bears further testimony to the fact that our Organization remains very relevant to the achievement of inclusive and sustainable development, with industry forming the core of this process."
In line with UNIDO procedures for the appointment of the Director General, the nomination period closed on 24 April.
The candidates (listed in alphabetical order of countries) include:
Sham L. Bathija (Afghanistan), Minister, Senior Economic Adviser to the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan ( biography)
Sok Siphana (Cambodia), Advisor of the Royal Government of Cambodia with rank of Minister, attached concurrently to the Supreme National Economic Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy ( biography)
Li Yong (China), Vice Finance Minister of the People's Republic of China ( biography)
Diana Battaggia (Italy), Head of UNIDO's Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Rome ( biography)
Abadulfatah Ahmed Altumi (Libya), Associate Professor at the University of Tripoli and Board, Chairman at the Libyan Trucks & Buses Company ( biography)
Marcin Korolec (Poland), Minister of Environment and former Deputy Minister of Economy of Poland ( biography)
Pongsvas Svasti (Thailand), former Minister of Industry ( biography).
On 21 May, candidates will present their vision and strategic direction for UNIDO to representatives of UNIDO Member States at a forum. Members of the UNIDO Industrial Development Board will then take part in a secret ballot at the Board session of 24-27 June. The selection process will conclude with a final decision by the General Conference at a special session on 28 June.
Current and previous heads of UNIDO include Kandeh K. Yumkella (2005-2013); Carlos Magariños (1997-2005); Mauricio de Maria y Campos (1993-1997); Domingo L. Siazon Jr. (1985-1993); Abd-El Rahman Khane (1975-1985); and Ibrahim Helmi Abdel-Rahman (1967-1974).
For more information, please see http://www.unido.org/pmo.html
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For further information please contact:
Mikhail
Evstafyev
UNIDO Advocacy and Communications Coordinator
Telephone: (+43-1) 26026-5021
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-7329
Email: M.Evstafyev[at]unido.org
