Mandate

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations, mandated to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development in developing countries and economies in transition. Established in 1966 with the headquarters in Vienna and recognized as a specialized agency in 1985, UNIDO aims to promote industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability.

The Organization focuses on three main thematic areas:

Poverty reduction through productive activities

Trade capacity-building

Energy and environment

UNIDO office in Armenia

UNIDO Desk in Armenia was established in May 2005 in the framework of the Cooperation Agreement between UNIDO and UNDP, aimed at (promoting inter-agency cooperation in private sector development) supporting the private sector development with joint efforts and implementing projects in line with the country's development priorities.

Representation of Armenia to UNIDO

Since 2019, the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Austria Armen Papikyan is the Permanent Representative of Armenia in UNIDO.

UNIDO's Current Activities in Armenia

UNIDO is currently implementing technical assistance projects aimed at reducing the poverty rate through job creation by promoting the following areas:

SME and start-up businesses

Conducive investment environment

Quality infrastructure

Export-oriented industries

Food processing business and community development groups

On November 16, 2022 the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) signed a Country Programme (CP) for inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Armenia 2022-2026. 

Among the examples of joint achievements, through strengthening agro-processing value chains։

• UNIDO facilitated the establishment of 53 agricultural cooperatives in six provinces of Armenia and provided support to over 700 beneficiaries.
• Through capacity-building efforts to promote entrepreneurship among women and youth with tailored, need-based and innovative tools, UNIDO helped generate employment opportunities for more than 1,000 people in rural and urban areas.
• UNIDO supported the application of renewable energy and innovative technology, including through the establishment of biogas plants and solar water heaters.
• UNIDO supported Armenian local garment manufacturing companies with producing 2,623 sets of bed linen and 2,000 medical uniforms in the scope of COVID-19.

Updated 06.03.2023