Lassaad Ben Hassine, UNIDO’s Representative in Tunisia, revealed the organization has implemented development projects across 119 countries, including Tunisia, managing a portfolio worth over $1.09 billion. These initiatives prioritize sustainability and inclusive industrialization.
In an interview with TAP, Ben Hassine explained that these projects have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by more than 82 million tons, which is equivalent to either removing more than 19 million cars from the roads for a year or supplying more than 11 million households with clean energy. This demonstrates UNIDO’s tangible impact in combating climate change and promoting a green economy.
Ben Hassine emphasized that the organization’s vision is to empower women and young people, and to support small and medium-sized enterprises, all the while ensuring respect for the environment and the proper use of natural resources.
He added that the organization’s work is now centred around three interconnected strategic areas. The first focuses on developing sustainable and equitable industrial value chains to improve quality and facilitate integration into international markets.
The second area aims to guarantee food security by developing the agricultural and food industries and reducing food losses.
Regarding the third pillar, the official explained that its goal is to combat climate change by deploying clean industrial solutions and improving resource efficiency.
Tunisia is a privileged partner of UNIDO.
Ben Hassine emphasised that the country’s cooperation with UNIDO dates back to the early 1970s and was formalised by the signing of a bilateral agreement in 1994, followed by the establishment of a permanent office in Tunisia.
UNIDO’s interventions form part of the United Nations’ agreement on cooperation for sustainable development. They are aligned with the “Tunisia 2035” vision and the 2023–2025 development plan, while also aiming to harmonise with the new 2026–2030 plan.
He specified that UNIDO’s interventions in Tunisia are based on four key principles: responding to national demand; ensuring national ownership of projects and government coordination; supporting productive transformation and industrial innovation; and anchoring projects in inland regions to promote economic equity.
In this context, Ben Hassine presented some of UNIDO’s projects in Tunisia. In particular, he mentioned the “Creative Tunisia” project, which has supported value chains in the crafts and design sector since 2019. This project covers 17 industries in six sectors, including plant fibers in Gabès and carpets in Kef.
The project has enabled the training of over 2,500 people (80% of whom are women), the creation of 750 new products, and the enhancement of the competitiveness of 248 companies, including 16 women-owned businesses.
Founded in 1966 and based in Vienna, UNIDO is a specialized agency within the United Nations system, with 173 member states.
Its mission is to help countries, particularly developing countries, to establish integrated, sustainable industrial sectors that promote economic growth and social development by encouraging innovation, creating decent job opportunities and stimulating the adoption of clean industrial techniques.
