At the Partnership and Investment Day of UNIDO’s 21st General Conference and Global Industry Summit, a high-level side event underscored the central role of industrial recovery in rebuilding economies affected by conflict and crisis. The event brought together Member States and funding partners to mobilize investments while underlining how restarting industry and supporting businesses can restore livelihoods, stabilize communities and rebuild hope for the future.
UNIDO Director General Müller: "Jobs, local value chains and functioning enterprises are the backbone of any stable society. Without them, recovery cannot take hold and prosperity cannot return. UNIDO’s work in crisis-affected countries focuses on restoring these economic foundations, including making them more sustainable and fit for a brighter future."
The Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Andrii Teliupa, showcased the ongoing UNIDO Green Industrial Recovery Programme for Ukraine (2024–2028), a flagship initiative linking human capital development, green transition and industrial competitiveness.
The event also marked concrete progress on industrial recovery in other conflict- or crisis-affected countries. UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller signed a new Programme for Country Partnership (PCP), State of Palestine (2025-2030) together with Arafat Asfour, Minister of Industry of the State of Palestine. The PCP will help restore and modernize Palestine’s industry to ensure job creation, long-term competitiveness, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth and supports the rebuilding of Gaza’s industrial ecosystem. The PCP focuses on industrial policy and governance, on green and sustainable industrial development including circular economy approaches, eco-industrial park development and renewable energy, on upgrading and diversifying value chains and enhancing export readiness in sectors such as agro-industry, leather or packaging, and on skills development.
Director General Müller also signed the Industrial Recovery Programme for the Syrian Arab Republic (2026-2030) together with Bassel Abdulhannan, Vice-Minister of Economy and Industry of the Syrian Arab Republic.
The Recovery programme seeks to foster industrial growth that is economically competitive, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable, contributing to the country’s industrial recovery and long-term resilience. The programme will focus on supporting the country in the development of industrial policies, modernization and attracting investments, on upgrading industrial zones, on Digitalization and AI, quality infrastructure, circular economy approaches and sustainable energy, skills development and entrepreneurship support.
Lastly, the event included also the announcement of a new Industrial Recovery Programme for Sudan. Director General Müller and Minister of Industry of Sudan, Mahasin Ali Yagoub, signed a Joint Declaration to strengthen cooperation on industrial rehabilitation, including cooperation in upgrading agro-food value chains, the blue economy and local pharmaceutical production
All participants of the event emphasized the need for sustained, long-term support to realize lasting results, including through technical cooperation, financing and the joint development of bankable projects. Industrial recovery was highlighted as a stabilizing force, helping people return to work, restoring local business and essential industries and supporting growth and building greater economic diversification and resilience
UNIDO’s approach links initial recovery efforts with longer-term industrial development. By combining technical expertise, policy support and new partnerships, UNIDO supports its Member States in rebuilding industrial capacity, creating jobs and moving from emergency response toward durable economic recovery.
