UNIDO ITPO Tokyo celebrated the “Africa Industrialization Day 2019” in Tokyo on Wednesday, 20 November 2019.
At the United Nations General Assembly in 1989, November 20, the “Africa Industrialization Day” was established within the framework of the second decade of industrial development for Africa (IDDA II: 1991-2002), where UNIDO was the lead organization (44 / 237). Since then, UNIDO has organized various events every year in Vienna, Austria, the UNIDO headquarters are located, and in African countries, in collaboration with the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). This year, UNIDO’s Tokyo office invited ambassadors and diplomats in Tokyo to celebrate the Africa Industrialization Day 2019.
Mr. Yuko Yasunaga, Head of UNIDO ITPO Tokyo welcomed participants and referred to the UN Secretary’s message to commemorate the day, which emphasized that this year’s event “…marks a milestone as we highlight how the African Continental Free Trade Area will boost regional economic transformation and sustainable development”.
Dr. Seiichiro Yonekura, Professor of Hosei University Graduate School of Innovation Management, Graduate School of Management, and Specially Appointed Professor of Hitotsubashi University Innovation Research Center, explained the significance of digital transformation in the future of industrial and economic development in Africa.
Dr. Katsumi Hirano, Senior Researcher, JETRO Institute of Developing Economies, (Asian Economic Research Institute), explained the importance of industrial specialization, taking East Asian countries and Mauritius as examples.
Following the lectures, Mr. Estifanos Afowaki Haile, the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Eritrea, gave a speech and toast to celebrate the day and expressed his hope for continued promotion of industrial development in Africa, and cooperation with Japan.
During the reception that followed, participants exchanged lively opinions on industrial development in Africa. Nearly 40 African ambassadors and diplomats in Tokyo as well as representatives of UN and other international institutions participated in this event, which served as a good opportunity for UNIDO to further deepen cooperation with African countries and work together to promote industrial development and innovation.
Outline
| Time/Date: | Wednesday, 20 November, 12:00 – 14:00 |
| Venue: | UNU 2F Reception Hall |
| Organizer: | UNIDO ITPO Tokyo |
Programme
12:00 ～ 12:05 Greetings
– Mr. Yuko Yasunaga, Head, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo
12:05 ～ 12:25 Special Address I
– Seiichiro Yonekura, Ph.D.
Professor, Hosei Business School,
Professor Emeritus, Hitotsubashi University
12:25〜12:50 Special Address II
– Katsumi Hirano, Ph.D.
Executive Senior Research Fellow, IDE-JETRO
12:50〜 Toast
H.E. Mr. Estifanos Afeworki Haile
Dean of American Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of the State of Eritrea
〜14:00 Reception
