President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. The following countries align themselves with this statement: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Ukraine.

We warmly welcome the decision by the Board to recommend Director General Müller for reappointment at the twenty-first session of the General Conference in Riyadh in November. This decision demonstrates the strong trust and support of the UNIDO Industrial Development Board for the work of the Director General and ensures continuity during these challenging times.

We very much look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with Director General Müller and reiterate our full confidence in his abilities to continue leading UNIDO in the coming four years. Director General Müller can be assured of our steadfast support.

In view of the upcoming General Conference in Saudi Arabia, we look forward to working with the hosts, our colleagues at UNIDO and all Member States to give Director General Müller a strong mandate for his second term and to make it a success.

We take this opportunity to reaffirm our continued strong commitment to the important work of UNIDO across the spectrum of its mandate. 

Thank you, President.