Finland supports €3.6m to UNIDO for developing countries

Finland supports the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) by EUR 3.6 million between 2021 and 2023 to develop value chains in sustainable forestry, mining and circular economy and to create jobs in developing countries.

The project also includes a section strengthening the position of women and promoting gender equality in the work of UNIDO, said Ministry for Foreign Affairs in a press release, adding that the agreement was signed in Vienna on Wednesday.

Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari stressed Finland's commitment to supporting the economic development of developing countries in an environmentally sustainable manner that mitigates climate change.

“The circular economy is a topical solution to this challenge. Funding for UNIDO promotes the gradual transition of developing countries to the circular economy,” Skinnari said.

Finland was the first country in the world to draw up its own circular economy action plan five years ago. The Government has set the goal of making Finland a carbon neutral country by 2035.

“Cooperation with UNIDO offers opportunities for Finnish companies and other actors,” said Skinnari.