The main topic of the 27th session of the Programme and Budget Committee (PBC) of UNIDO, held from 11 to 13 May 2011, was the budget proposal of the organization for the 2012 – 2013 biennium
The funding of the regular budget for the given period and beyond has been challenged by the withdrawal of one member state from UNIDO, whose contributions accounted for 9.2%. The EU and other UNIDO MS had therefore called upon the Secretariat to show budgetary restraint and invited the DG to present a revised budget proposal at the 39th session of the Industrial Development Board (IDB) of UNIDO, held from 22 to 24 June 2011. At the same time the EU ensured the organization about its continued financial and political support, inter alia, by expressing its will to further develop cooperation in line with the current EU-UNIDO collaboration framework which focuses on trade capacity building, including establishing industrial norms and standards for competitiveness and consumer protection, as well as on modernizing the private sector for jobs and wealth creation in poor countries. The revised budget proposal was finally taken by consensus during the 39th session of the IDB.
Member States commended UNIDO for implementing a Programme for Change and Organizational Renewal, which will help the Organization achieve its objective of being an effective and efficient “Partner for Prosperity”. This will involve to continuously improve UNIDO’s services (Growth with Quality) and to deliver them united in purpose and action (Delivering as One UNIDO).
Hungary, on behalf of the EU, addressed with statements the main topics of the session, such as budget proposal, programme for change and organizational renewal, findings of the external auditor, trust funds on food security and renewable energy and also environment and energy.