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 Organisation (UNIDO) – to increase cooperation in food security, water management, womens’ 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.
Dr. Yumkella is in Israel on an official visit (12-16 May) during which he will be a guest of honour at the Agritech 2012 exhibition and at the companion CIPA (International Committee for Plastics in Agriculture) conference on plasticulture. Dr. Yumkella has visited leading Israeli institutions active in extending aid to developing countries as well as centers of R&D and innovation in various fields. He is scheduled to visit Yad Vashem and the Knesset and to meet with Minister of Agriculture Orit Noked and the Director General of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labour.
The visit of the head of UNIDO and the signing of the agreement aim to promote cooperation between Israel and the organisation in order to advance economic development and to eliminate poverty and hunger in developing states, with an emphasis on Africa. Israel will be able to contribute of its vast experience, in keeping with its goal of integrating into UN activities and international organisations to further the Millennium Development Goals.