For information only - not an official document
UNIS/OUS/198
28 June 2013
VIENNA, 28 June 2013 (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) - Li Yong, a senior economic and financial policymaker from the People's Republic of China, was today confirmed as the new Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
In an election on Monday, Li Yong ran against five other candidates and secured the necessary two-thirds of the votes cast by UNIDO's 53-member Industrial Development Board. His appointment was confirmed at a special session of the organization's General Conference taking place today in Vienna. He will serve an initial four-year term.
Li Yong has been China's Vice-Minister of Finance since 2003.
"It is my honour to be elected. The Chinese Government has recommended me and that shows its strong support for industrial development," said Director General Li.
Li Yong said the organization faces many challenges, adding, "We are going to provide more effective services to support the different needs of different regions and countries. The most disadvantaged areas need to boost their industrial sectors, while middle-income countries need to improve their level of industrial development."
"China is today one of the world's largest manufacturing economies and its economic transformation has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. This experience could be shared with other developing countries fighting to eradicate poverty," added Li.
Representatives of UNIDO Member States participating in the General Conference congratulated Li Yong on his election and expressed their intention to provide full support in the years ahead, and help him strengthen and improve the organization.
The new UNIDO Director General takes over from Kandeh K. Yumkella of Sierra Leone, who has led the organization since 2005, and who is now the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All and CEO of the Initiative.
UNIDO is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability.
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For more information, please contact:
Mikhail
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