The Ministers,
Taking note of the decision adopted by the 38th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union held on 3 and 4 February 2021, endorsing the candidature of Dr. Arkebe Oqubay of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, as the sole African candidate for the post of Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO);
Further taking note of the endorsement of Dr. Arkebe Oqubay’s candidature by the African ministers of finance, planning and economic development of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) at their 53rd session in Addis Ababa on 22 and 23 March 2021, the Council of Ministers responsible for Trade of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)at their meeting in Accra on 3 May 2021, 13 former Heads of State and Government on 25 May 2021; as well as the Committee of Ambassadors of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) at their meeting in Brussels on 18 March 2021;
Recognizing the important role that the UNIDO must play in building forward better, and also in contributing to and supporting the industrial and economic policies that will support inclusive and sustainable growth in the developing world, particularly in Africa;
Acknowledging Dr. Arkebe Oqubay’s proven track record in leading, formulating and delivering innovative and meaningful policy change across developing economies;
Expressing full confidence that Dr. Arkebe Oqubay’s extensive experience, combined with his international outlook, makes him the best candidate for the role of Director General;
Appreciating Dr. Arkebe Oqubay’s far-reaching vision for a revitalized UNIDO and the focus that he is placing on carbon-neutral industrialization, global knowledge exchange and inclusive industrial growth;
Expressing satisfaction on his performance during the candidate’s forum held in Vienna on 25 May 2021, demonstrating his clarity of vision and leadership skills in steering the organization forward in the post-COVID-19 era;
1. Decided to extend full and unreserved support to the candidature of Dr. Arkebe Oqubay for the post of Director-General of the UNIDO;
2. Call on member states to rally behind Africa’s sole candidate to ensure his election at the UNIDO Executive Board meeting scheduled to take place in Vienna on 12 July 2021;
3. Underscore the need for the UNIDO Industrial Development Board to conduct the elections in a transparent manner based on strict adherence to the letter and spirit of the UNIDO Constitution as well as the relevant Rule of Procedures;
4. Appeal to African members of Industrial Development Board to be represented at the appropriate level and remain united in advancing the common African position throughout the course of the balloting process;
5. Further Appeal to African members to faithfully abide by the decisions of the policy organs of the African Union on international candidatures in casting their votes in support of the sole African candidate endorsed by the Executive Council of the African Union;