UN agency urges green reindustrialization in Latin America and Caribbean

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has launched a Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean in Uruguay, issuing a strong call for the region's reindustrialization with a focus on green practices, financial equity, and international solidarity. The conference addresses pressing climate and geopolitical challenges facing the area.

Gerd Müller, UNIDO's Director-General, addressed the inaugural session, emphasizing the vast potential of Latin America and the Caribbean. With 670 million inhabitants and abundant natural resources, including 30% of the world's freshwater reserves and the Amazon rainforest, Müller stated the region could become a pivotal force in the 21st century. He stressed that global prosperity relies on these resources and that UNIDO will support Latin American nations in ensuring equitable wealth distribution and fostering value-added production.

During the conference, Müller announced UNIDO's Cooperation Plan for Latin America and the Caribbean for 2026-2030. This plan outlines approximately 120 projects centered on competitiveness, industrial policy, artificial intelligence, decarbonization, and the circular economy. Special attention will be given to small island states. Müller also expressed solidarity with Venezuela following a recent earthquake, announcing the deployment of technical experts to aid humanitarian efforts and help Venezuelan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) resume production and restore jobs.

Uruguay's Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mining, Fernanda Cardona, welcomed the international representatives. Speaking on behalf of President Yamandú Orsi, she underscored the need for productive transformation to regain a central role in development agendas. Cardona affirmed Uruguay's commitment to actively participating in international discussions and forums, calling such engagements a strategic necessity in the current geopolitical climate. She urged participants to avoid repeating past practices that perpetuate inequality and social disparities within the region.