On 14 May 2012, Israel and the UN signed a special agreement - Memorandum of Understanding between Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MASHAV) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) - to increase cooperation in food security, water management, women empowerment and industrial development in developing countries. For Israel, this is an additional step in creating international partnerships in the area of development, demonstrating recognition and appreciation of Israel's abilities and contributions to the world.

 

The signing ceremony took place in the presence of the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Rafael Barak. Signing on behalf of the UN was the Director General of UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization), Dr. Kandeh Yumkella. The head of MASHAV (Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation), MFA Deputy Director General Daniel Carmon, signed the agreement on behalf of Israel.