A global platform for sustainable industrial development
WHO WE ARE
About UNIED

A Global Platform for Inclusion, Empowerment, and Sustainable Development

UNIED supports communities, organizations, and partners in advancing inclusive development, strengthening resilience, and fostering innovation-driven solutions that create sustainable opportunities.

Our mandate Leadership

Advancing inclusive development

Universal Network for Inclusion, Empowerment and Development is committed to advancing inclusive development by empowering communities, strengthening partnerships, and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable progress. We work with individuals, organizations, and stakeholders to build resilience, expand opportunities, and support transformative initiatives that contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.

Leadership & Vision Partnerships & Collaboration Governance & Accountability
Women in economic empowerment programmes

Empowering women as drivers of sustainable development

Women and girls play a vital role in building inclusive communities, strengthening livelihoods, and advancing innovation across societies. UNIED promotes gender equality by supporting women's empowerment, entrepreneurship, skills development, and access to opportunities that enable meaningful participation in sustainable development.

Since 2010, UNIED programmes have supported over 28,000 women entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, catalyzing USD 1.4 billion in financing for women-led enterprises.

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News & Stories

All news & stories
Global Forum on Industrial Development

UNIED convenes global forum on industrial transformation in Vienna

UNIED brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, development partners, and international stakeholders in Vienna for a high-level global forum focused on advancing industrial transformation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. The forum provided a platform for participants to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and explore strategies for building resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable industries. Discussions highlighted the importance of technology adoption, digital transformation, skills development, and strategic partnerships in accelerating industrial progress. Key sessions addressed emerging opportunities and challenges facing industries worldwide, including the need for stronger collaboration between governments, private sector actors, and development organizations. Participants emphasized the role of innovation-driven approaches in improving productivity, creating employment opportunities, and supporting long-term economic development. The event also explored pathways for sustainable industrialization, focusing on green technologies, responsible production systems, and policies that enable industries to adapt to changing global economic conditions. Through initiatives such as this forum, UNIED continues to promote international cooperation and knowledge exchange to support countries in achieving inclusive industrial development and sustainable growth.

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Climate Resilient Industry

New report: Pathways to climate-resilient industry in sub-Saharan Africa

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Investment Technology Forum

UNIED and European Union launch new technology transfer initiative

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Leadership

Director-General of UNIED
Director-General

Dr. António M. Guterres

UNIED's leadership provides strategic direction and guidance to advance the organization's mission of promoting inclusion, empowerment, and sustainable development. With experience in development, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives, UNIED's leadership oversees programmes, partnerships, and initiatives that create meaningful impact for communities worldwide.

Biography
Deputy Director-General
Mrs. Catherine Russell
Deputy Director-General
Managing Director
Mr. Simon Stiell
Managing Director, Programmes
Managing Director, External Relations
Ms. Hao Chunying
Managing Director, External Relations
Chief of Staff
Mr. John Singleton
Chief of Staff

Operating worldwide for lasting impact

UNIED works through a global network of partners, communities, and development stakeholders to deliver inclusive programmes, strengthen collaboration, and support sustainable solutions across regions.

From empowering local communities to supporting organizations and initiatives that drive positive change, UNIED adapts its approach to address diverse development needs and create lasting social, economic, and environmental impact.

Field offices
UNIED global presence map

Governance & accountability

UNIED operates under a clear governance framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with global development standards and the expectations of member states and partners.

Oversight & accountability

An independent oversight body monitors programme delivery, financial management, and organizational performance to ensure the highest standards of accountability and responsible stewardship of resources.

Transparency & reporting

UNIED publishes annual reports, programme evaluations, and financial disclosures to keep member states, partners, and the public informed of its activities, results, and use of resources.

Member state engagement

Member states participate in governance processes, strategic planning, and decision-making to ensure UNIED's work remains responsive to diverse national and regional development priorities and contexts.

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Strategic partnerships

UNIED builds and strengthens strategic partnerships with organizations, institutions, communities, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to share knowledge, foster innovation, and advance inclusive and sustainable development initiatives.

Global coordination & collaboration

UNIED works with diverse partners, organizations, and development networks to strengthen collaboration, align initiatives, share knowledge, and advance inclusive and sustainable development solutions.

Financial & development partners

UNIED collaborates with financial institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to support inclusive initiatives, strengthen sustainable solutions, and expand opportunities that contribute to long-term community development.

Civil society & academia

UNIED collaborates with research institutions, NGOs, community organizations, and academic partners to promote knowledge sharing, strengthen evidence-based approaches, and support inclusive development initiatives that create lasting impact.

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