Ministry of Industry Signs Partnership Agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization

SadaNews Economy - The Ministry of Industry and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have signed a new partnership to support the revival of the Palestinian footwear and leather sector, funded by the Italian government. This partnership focuses on enhancing infrastructure, promoting sustainable energy solutions, and building local capacities to support long-term industrial development.

This took place on the sidelines of the 53rd session of the UNIDO Industrial Development Board, where Minister of Industry Arafat Asfour and UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller signed the project document for the new initiative titled: "Developing a Sustainable Energy Village for Footwear in Hebron for Decarbonization and Sustainable Development of the Value Chain in the Footwear Sector in Palestine."

The signing ceremony was attended by Italy's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Deborah Libera, and the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Austria and Permanent Observer at the United Nations in Vienna, Salah Abdel Shafi.

The Ministry of Industry explained that the initiative aims to restore competitiveness and resilience to the leather and footwear sector in Hebron, which was once a thriving industry but has significantly declined in recent decades.

The "Sustainable Footwear Village" will feature an integrated industrial center with sustainable infrastructure and low-emission energy solutions. This initiative reflects the commitment of both Italy and UNIDO to support inclusive and sustainable industrial development, promote clean technology, entrepreneurship, and local value chains in line with climate and development priorities.

The ministry noted that in close collaboration with Palestinian partners in the public and private sectors, the sustainable footwear village will include a shared service center providing professional services, modern equipment, and infrastructure that supports innovation in design, technical development, and skill-building for small, medium, and micro-enterprises. It will also serve as a high-efficiency energy-consuming production center, facilitate exports, and apply circular economy practices, incorporating clean energy solutions and low-carbon infrastructure. The project will leverage UNIDO's extensive expertise in sustainable energy and value chains in the leather sector and will include links with international partners.

The Ministry of Industry and UNIDO also signed a joint declaration, establishing a strategic cooperation framework to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Palestine. The declaration outlines key areas of cooperation, including industrial policies, value chain development, circular economy, resource efficiency, as well as sustainable energy and decarbonization, reaffirming UNIDO's long-term commitment to supporting industrial development in the State of Palestine.