Global megatrends challenge world - UNIDO Chief

UNIDO Director General Dr. Kandeh Yumkella in his keynote address said the world is challenged by a number of global megatrend developments in the world economy that do not respect frontiers and affect all of us, for good or ill.

He said that these megatrends include the food, fuel and financial crisis, unprecedented demographic growth, especially in developing countries, unequal globalisation and the role of illicit economy throughout the world.

Underpinning all of these is the most striking megatrend of all the environmental challenges including climate change; energy, water and resource scarcity, he said.

Dr. Yumkella said that sustainable consumption and production is a must to achieve economic growth while facing these megatrends..

Dr. Yumkella visit to Sri Lanka is to review UNIDO projects phase III and work on strategies for greener industries.