In a significant diplomatic achievement, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, has been elected President of the 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board (IDB) of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This marks the first time Pakistan has held this prestigious position.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office here on Monday, the Director General of UNIDO congratulated Ambassador Akhtar on his election, commending Pakistan’s consistent contributions and active engagement with the organization.

In his remarks following the election, Ambassador Akhtar thanked all UNIDO Member States for their trust and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the organization’s mandate of inclusive and sustainable industrial development. He emphasized the importance of supporting developing countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The election is seen as a testament to the international community’s confidence in Pakistan’s leadership and its proactive diplomatic presence in Vienna-based international organizations. Pakistan maintains one of the most substantial partnerships with UNIDO, with an active project portfolio exceeding pound 350 million.

These projects span key sectors including textiles, leather, fisheries, food safety, climate action, and renewable energy. Flagship initiatives such as PAIDAR (Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development in Pakistan) and PAFAID (Pakistan Leather Footwear Advancement) have contributed significantly to poverty alleviation, employment generation, and the sustainable development of rural communities.

Looking ahead, Pakistan is set to launch a new cycle of its Country Partnership Program (CPP) with UNIDO in 2025, alongside several new initiatives across diverse sectors, further cementing its role as a committed partner in global industrial development.