16 May 2006 – Philippine Ambassador to Austria Linglingay F. Lacanlale has proposed a tripartite arrangement involving the Philippines, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Austria for the utilization of cleaner energy and alternative energy sources.

Ambassador Lacanlale presented this proposal during his meeting with UNIDO Director-General, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, after presenting on 10 May 2006 her credentials as Philippine Permanent Representative to the UNIDO.   (Please refer to the accompanying photo release on this subject matter.)

Ambassador Lacanlale outlined to Dr. Yumkella a possible tripartite program that the Philippines aims to pursue in cooperation with UNIDO and the host country, Austria. “The proposed cooperation arrangement would involve projects related to cleaner energy under the Kyoto Protocol Clean Development Mechanism and to the Philippine government's strategy on harnessing alternative energy sources,” the Ambassador said.

Also during the meeting, Ambassador Lacanlale conveyed the appreciation of the Philippines for the technical cooperation assistance from UNIDO for Philippine industries and requested UNIDO to intensify donor fund sourcing for the projects under the Philippine Country Service Framework (CSF).   The CSF is a package of technical assistance projects designed by UNIDO to develop Small and Medium Enterprises and for energy and environment programs in line with the Philippine government's thrust on poverty alleviation, specially in the Mindanao areas.

In line with the CSF, Ambassador Lacanlale also proposed that UNIDO explore the possibility of linking its employment generation projects with Philippine non-governmental organizations involved in poverty alleviation programs in integrated poor communities.

The UNIDO was established as a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1986. It helps developing countries and countries with economies in transition in their fight against marginalization in today's globalized world.    UNIDO mobilizes knowledge, skills, information and technology to promote productive employment, a competitive economy and a sound environment.

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella is the first African to serve as UNIDO Director-General in the organization's 20-year history. Former Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary and currently Philippine Ambassador to Japan Domingo L. Siazon Jr.  was the very first Director-General of UNIDO from 1986 to 1992. END