23.10.2013 - 24.10.2013 - Summary Report on DG’s visit to the Russian Federation

Events

The DG, LI Yong visited the Russian Federation from 23-24 October 2013. The DG was accompanied by H.E. Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to UNIDO, Vienna and UNIDO staff members including, Mr. Zhao Jie, Special Assistant to the Director General, Ms. Olga Memedovic, Chief, Europe and NIS Programme, Ms. Marina Ploutakhina, Chief, Energy Efficiency, Energy and Climate Change and Mr. S. Korotkov, Director of UNIDO CIIC Moscow.

During this three-day visit to the Russian Federation, DG held meetings with high ranking government representatives, including:

Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, Deputy Prime Minister
Mr. Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Dmitry Livanov, Minister of Education and Science
Mr Rinat Gizatulin, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology

During the meetings with high level government representatives, the DG discussed:

UNIDO’s record of technical cooperation with the Russian Federation, including past, ongoing and proposed planned projects as well as successful projects that can be replicated.
UNIDO’s long-term goals for cooperation with the Russian Federation, which are to expand and strengthen technical cooperation in third countries and in the Russian Federation in the fields of energy, environment management and climate change, technology promotion, skills upgrading, vocational training, industrial parks and industrial clusters.
The importance of BRICS as a platform for international multilateral cooperation, dialogue and sharing best practices and experiences that could be extended to other regions. The UNIDO-BRICS projects on technology and innovation for the development of SMEs.
The DG also gave a keynote speech at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the framework of the ‘Golden Collection’ project for the journal “International Affairs”, on the vision for UNIDO’s future as well as on cooperation with the Russian Federation.
The DG also invited Government senior officials to participate in the UNIDO General Conference in Lima.

Further meetings were held with heads of Russian Railways Company and national and international associations representing industrialists and entrepreneurs. The DG signed a Joint Declaration on “support for the advancement of environmentally sustainable solutions in the Russian Federation” with the President of Russian Railways, one of the largest companies in the Russian Federation, which will consolidate efforts to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of environmental technologies and green industry in general. DG also visited the UNIDO Center for International Industrial Cooperation (CIIC) in Moscow and discussed the positive achievements of the UNIDO Center as well as successful cases that can be replicated in the Russian Federation and in other countries.

DG, LI Yong, Ms. Olga Memedovic, Chief, Europe and NIS Programme, Ms. Marina Ploutakhina, Chief, Energy Efficiency, Energy and Climate Change

DG, Li Yong and H.E. Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to UNIDO, Vienna

DG meetings on 23 October 2013

The Director General’s meeting with the Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation

The DG met with HE. Mr. Dmitry Livanov, Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, and Mr. Eugenie Ugrinovich, Director of the International Department at the Ministry. The Minister expressed his full support for cooperation with UNIDO and satisfaction with partnerships between the Russian Federation and the organization. Particular reference was made to the UNIDO Centre for International Industrial Cooperation (CIIC), established in 1989, and funded by the Russian Federation. The Center and its links with the global network of UNIDO ITPOs as well as its financial model of support were referred to as examples of successful partnerships that contribute greatly to innovation and technological learning.

DG was informed about the current responsibilities of the Ministry, which are education, and science and technology and that the new mandate of the Ministry is closely linked with industrial development. The Ministry is working on the formulation of a national strategy for vocational training and it is envisaged that UNIDO is seen as the important partner organization that would share best practices and contribute to the development of vocational training programmes in the Russian Federation. At the same time, the experiences of the Russian Federation can be shared with other CIS countries, as well as with countries in the Middle East and Latin America. It was further pointed out that international experience gained by UNIDO, and its status as a specialized agency, provide important value added and credibility to the projects that Ministry of Education and Science would like to implement. Other potential areas of cooperation identified are the industrial parks, as the important tool for focusing on the regions as a practical approach to ensure SME development and building professional skills. The importance of BRICS as a platform for international multilateral cooperation, dialogue and sharing best practices and experiences was also emphasized, which could be extended to other regions. The Russian Federation is interested in the UNIDO—BRICS projects on technology and innovation for the development of SMEs. Successful implementation in five countries can be expanded to other regions and be global.

In response, the DG commented on the recent internal audit of the Centre that recommended both partners to explore new potential areas and extend current activities.
The DG informed about his vision for UNIDO services and the concept of inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID), which is aligned to the post-2015 development agenda. Finally, the DG briefed on the General Conference in Lima and expressed his hope for Russian high –level participation in the work of UNIDO General Conference.

Meeting with the DG General and the Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation in the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, Moscow

The Director General’s meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

DG met with H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The Minister expressed his full support for UNIDO and appreciation that the DG chose the Russian Federation as one of his first destinations to visit since his election. During the meeting the two leaders discussed the positive experience of cooperation between the Russian Federation and UNIDO and the good prospects to expand joint activities in the coming years given the country’s continued commitment and strong interest in developing technical cooperation projects aligned with the Russian Federation’s geographic and thematic priorities. In response, the DG mentioned that UNIDO has a strong portfolio of pipeline projects and is experiencing growing interest from countries such as Brazil, China and India to develop cooperation on inclusive and sustainable industrial development, which is promising for the organization’s future. The DG then informed the Minister of UNIDO’s five pillar strategy to refocus on new goals, provide more services, generate stronger partnerships, ensure more efficient and effective UNIDO in-house operations, and motivate staff. The DG and the Minister also demonstrated a shared emphasis on the importance of the General Conference and the adoption of the Lima Declaration by Member States, and the DG spoke of his wish for high level participation from the Russian Federation.

DG, Li Yong and H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

The DG attended an official lunch with Mr. Gennadiy Gatilov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The Deputy Minister expressed his appreciation for the DG’s visit to the Russian Federation and his satisfaction with UNIDO project implementation, including the first project in Africa funded by the Russian Federation – the establishment of a fishery institute in Sierra Leone. The Deputy Minister also referred to the importance of international cooperation, citing the example of the BRICS platform and the importance of the work of diplomatic community in Vienna on institutionalization of the BRICS platform in Vienna and in UNIDO in particular, and in this connection the establishment of a UNIDO BRICS cooperation unit, and that this work should continue in terms of defining possible project portfolio, funding sources, mechanisms of implementation and monitoring and should define concrete milestones. The development of projects within the BRICS platform would promote UNIDO activities on strengthening the industrial base and on knowledge sharing and technology transfer within the group and beyond.

The DG highlighted UNIDO’s activities in the frameworks of the Global Environmental Facility and Montreal Protocol, in which the organization has become one of most experienced implementing agencies. The DG also mentioned the importance of the upcoming General Conference in Lima, which will be an occasion to reconfirm to Member States UNIDO’s vision for inclusive and sustainable industrial development, and adopt the Lima Declaration.

The DG also gave a keynote speech at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the framework of the ‘Golden Collection’ project for the journal “International Affairs,” on the vision for UNIDO’s future as well as on cooperation with the Russian Federation.

The DG also gave a keynote speech at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the framework of the ‘Golden Collection’ project for the journal “International Affairs,” on the vision for UNIDO’s future as well as on cooperation with the Russian Federation

The Director General’s meeting with the President of the Russian Railways Company

The DG met with Mr. Vladimir Yakunin, President of the Russian Railways Company. During the meeting, and DG and the President signed a Joint Declaration on support for the advancement of environmentally sustainable solutions in the Russian Federation. Discussion during the meeting also focused on projects funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), including the project developed with the UNIDO Center for International Industrial Cooperation on “Environmentally Sound Management and Final Disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at the Russian Railroad Network and other PCB Owners (Phase I)”, which has global relevance since it is directly linked to the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. In this regard, the DG informed the President about his recent meeting with the Deputy Chair of the GEF who praised UNIDO activities. The DG also pledged to explore opportunities to develop new projects with Russian Railways in areas funded by the GEF, including waste management and elimination of PCBs. Finally, Mr Yakunin, in his capacity as President of the Railway Union of the CIS countries and President of the World Railway Union, proposed to share the positive experience of cooperation with UNIDO with other countries.

DG meetings on 24 October 2013

The Director General’s meeting at the UNIDO Center for International Industrial Cooperation (CIIC) in the Russian Federation

DG visited the UNIDO Center for International Industrial Cooperation (CIIC) in Moscow. During the meeting attended by Mr. Viktor Zagrekov, Deputy Director Department of International Organizations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sergey Korotkov, Director of the CIIC and UNIDO Delegation, the discussion focused on the positive achievements of the UNIDO Center, and the commitment of both the Russian Federation and UNIDO to deepen cooperation and expand existing projects in the country, and the potential to replicate these success stories in other countries.

LI Yong, Director General, Mr. Sergey Korotkov, Director, UNIDO Centre for International Industrial Cooperation in the Russian Federation and Mr. Viktor Zagrekov, Deputy Director Department of International Organizations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

DG and UNIDO Delegation visited the UNIDO Center for International Industrial Cooperation (CIIC)

The Director General’s meeting with the President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) and the President of the International Congress of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (ICIE)

The DG met with Mr. Alexander Shokhin, President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) and Mr. Victor Glukhich, President of the International Congress of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (ICIE). Mr. Shokhin spoke about the long history of cooperation between UNIDO and the RSPP and the recently established Business-20 (B-20), the goal of which is to promote dialogue between the business community and the G-20. The DG responded that UNIDO and RSPP could be observers at G-20 and G-8 meetings. Mr. Shokhin also proposed that RSPP and UNIDO establish a business aid association to set priorities for sustainable industrial development, including infrastructure development and the promotion of green and bio-technologies. Mr. Glukhich added that environmental and waste issues should be also included in the areas of cooperation and discussed the development of projects in ICIE’s geographic priority regions in North and Latin America and Middle East. Finally, the DG spoke about his new vision for UNIDO as a leading proponent of inclusive and sustainable industrial development, and the General Conference in Lima.

LI Yong, Director General, Mr. Alexander Shokhin, President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), Ms. Marina Ploutakhina, Chief, Energy Efficiency, Energy and Climate Change and Mr. Sergey Korotkov, Director, UNIDO Centre for International Industrial Cooperation in the Russian Federation

Mr. Victor Glukhich, President of the International Congress of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (ICIE) on the left

The Director General’s meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Government

The DG met with HE Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Government. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted UNIDO’s critical role in achieving the Millennium Development Goals and in shaping the post-2015 sustainable development agenda. The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed the wish to expand cooperation between the Russian Federation and UNIDO to areas such as innovative technologies, water remediation, renewable energy, food security, industrial clusters and skills’ upgrading. Waste management is also particularly important for the Russian Federation, given the legacy of industrial pollution from the Soviet period. The DG discussed his new vision for UNIDO, namely inclusive and sustainable industrial development and the importance of the upcoming General Conference in Lima during which Member States will adopt the Lima Declaration.

DG, Li Yong and HE Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Government

The Director General’s meeting with the Deputy Minister of Environment of the Russian Federation.

The DG met with Mr. Renat Gizatulin, Deputy Minister of Environment of the Russian Federation. The Minister highlighted cooperation on clean technologies for SMEs, which is a priority area for the Russian Federation. The Deputy Minister suggested the establishment of a Russian Technology Centre, in cooperation with UNIDO, to support the development and dissemination of new technologies and best practices, with a view to facilitating greater access to such knowledge and information for Russian SMEs. Having supported the idea of creating such a Centre, Mr. Yong promised to consider the possibility of using potential of the UNIDO Centre for International Industrial Cooperation.

Discussion then focused on the potential to expand cooperation with UNIDO in various areas of environmental protection, particularly in light of the Russian Federation’s intention to join the Minamata Convention on reducing mercury emissions. The DG informed the Minister about his new vision for UNIDO and the importance of the upcoming General Conference in Lima where Member States will adopt the Lima Declaration on inclusive and sustainable industrial development. In response, the Deputy Minister reiterated his support for the organization and for continued joint activities between the Ministry and UNIDO.

The cooperation of UNIDO and Carlsberg company, owner of Baltika brewing company, in the area of minimizing adverse effect on the environment was discussed as a good example of the private-public partnership. According to Mr. Gizatulin, UNIDO’s experience will be needed for the implementation of the Saint-Petersburg initiative which will operate as a private-public partnership for the development of the across-the-border cooperation and economically feasible actions and projects for the benefit of the Baltic region.

In conclusion, Mr. Yong said that UNIDO and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation had already worked together in 30 projects: “The success of these projects convinces us in the future fruitful cooperation, including promotion of the concept of ‘clean’ and innovative production.”

DG, Li Yong and Mr. Renat Gizatulin, Deputy Minister of Environment of the Russian Federation

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