
Anthony Abdul Karim Kamara, Jnr.
The Sierra Leone Telegraph: 29 June 2013
After two four-year terms at the helm of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as Director-General, Kandeh Yumkella of Sierra Leone has handed over the baton of office to China’s Li Yong.
The ceremony took place during the organization’s General Conference.
Speaking to member states for the last time, Mr. Yumkella noted; “I am very proud of my accomplishments over seven and half years and where UNIDO stands today. None of this would have been possible without my staff. The success of any organization depends on its staff and over my two terms, I have lead by example AND have inspired my staff to do their best – each and every day, and they delivered exceptional results never seen in the history of this organization. The results are there for all to see.”
Wishing his successor well, Yumkella noted that he was very happy to be leaving the organization in good hands.
And as UNIDO begins its march into the third industrial revolution – one that will be based on clean, low carbon technologies and the promotion of green economy, Mr. Yumkella underscored that his successor’s credentials will make UNIDO a key player in the third industrial revolution.
“We are going to provide more effective services to support the different needs of different regions and countries. The most disadvantaged areas need to boost their industrial sectors, while middle-income countries need to improve their level of industrial development,” said Li.
Mr. Yong is the current Vice Finance Minister of his country and has experience in economic and financial policy issues and is a strong advocate for inclusive growth. From his personal profile it is evident that Mr. Yong is a champion of innovation and green development as well as an earnest facilitator for regional and South-South cooperation.
As a representative of the Chinese government, he has played a constructive and balanced role in coordinating global economic policies.
Born in Zhejang Province, Mr. Yong is married and has a son. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Accounting and has attended senior management training programs at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and at the Harvard Kennedy School.
The US Secretary of State – Senator John Kerry, has accepted to serve on the advisory board of SE4All. In his letter to the UN Secretary General this week, Mr. Kerry said he looks forward to joining the advisory board of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative.
He commented that he is “a firm believer in the power of partnership between governments, the private sector, and civil society in tackling some of the most significant challenges we face in the world today.”