UNIDO AIM Global Forum

9–13 Dec 2024 | Vienna, Austria

UNIDO AIM Global Forum

Namibia Bush Value Chain Project

Powered by frontier technologies, including a groundbreaking machine learning algorithm based on remote sensing texture image analysis, as well as satellite and drone-supported imagery recognition, UNIDO’s technical assistance drives the adoption of responsible and sustainable agricultural practices. This contributes to the enhanced productivity and competitiveness of local producers. Moreover, this approach effectively tackles challenges in the agro-industry, such as water management, waste generation, land degradation, and bush encroachment.

Innovation Hub for Agribusiness Transformation (IHAT)

Scaling sustainable agribusinesses with access to agricultural solutions through local innovation networks and centers of excellence.

Overview

Innovation Hub for Agribusiness Transformation (IHAT) is a programmatic approach of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to enhance agribusiness support services. This approach addresses the development dilemma of the ‘missing middle' in low- and middle-income countries, more specifically the ability of local agribusiness support services to localize innovation and support the scaling of local innovation.

IHAT aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable agribusiness practices by establishing local innovation support services that empower businesses to implement more efficient and eco-friendly methods. By introducing agricultural mechanization, it provides access to essential production and post-harvest solutions, enhancing productivity and reducing losses. Additionally, the project strengthens product compliance and certification services within selected value chains, ensuring that agricultural products meet quality standards and are competitive in both local and global markets.

More information: https://www.unido.org/solutions/innovation-hub-agribusiness-transformation-ihat

Digitally Transforming Supply Chains in the Coffee Industry

Leveraging Google’s Cloud, AI, Geospatial and TraceMark solutions to enable deforestation free coffee

Overview

There exists a reciprocal relationship between coffee-producing and coffee-consuming countries, forming a virtuous circle that requires enhancement. The challenge lies in elevating the value of coffee products through improved quality, added value, and sustainable practices – in line with current and forthcoming regulations, such as EUDR. Furthermore, the development and growth of collaborative efforts between public and private sectors are essential to foster an environment conducive to positive, sustainable change in the coffee industry.

The solution addresses new and evolving regulatory requirements through existing and innovative data driven technology solutions to deliver a sustainable and climate resilient coffee supply chain for all parties.

More information: https://www.unido.org/solutions/digitally-transforming-supply-chains-coffee-industry

Empowering People and Processes Through Digital Intelligence in Production and Technical Education

Public-Private Partnerships with Festo Didactic to advance sustainable manufacturing in agro-industries and water management

Overview

In the context of megatrends such as digitalization, individualization and climate change, UNIDO, in partnership with Festo Didactic, has been driving innovation in sustainable industry and technical education through two flagship projects - H2O Maghreb in Morocco and the CAIME initiative in Uruguay. Both projects use the Public-Private Development Partnership (PPDP) model to foster innovation in technical education and empower local workforces to navigate the twin transitions of digital and green. These initiatives provide practical examples of how strategic partnerships can integrate advanced digital learning tools and automation technologies to address local challenges and support sustainable development. They demonstrate how the integration of high-end technology (AI and digital intelligence) into production processes, coupled with targeted technical training, can generate productivity gains while creating jobs and preparing today's workforce for the challenges of tomorrow.

UNIDO and Festo Didactic collaborate under the Public-Private Development Partnership (PPDP) model to drive innovation in sustainable industrial practices. By combining digital intelligence, smart technologies, and innovative training programs tailored to local needs, the partnership enhances productivity and resource management in key sectors like water management and manufacturing but is also setting a model for future AI-driven solutions.

More information: https://www.unido.org/solutions/empowering-people-and-processes-through-digital-intelligence-production-and-technical-education

Empowering Global Agri-Food Supply Chains of Tomorrow

Harness the power of actionable agri-food data and real-time market intelligence to enhance your efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness.

Overview

Addressing information asymmetry in the agri-food supply chain is vital for all stakeholders, as unequal access to information can lead to inefficiencies, mistrust, and poor decision-making. This imbalance affects performance and presents challenges such as market power disparities, quality and safety concerns, inefficient resource use, lack of pricing transparency, limited technology adoption, food fraud, and sustainability issues.

To overcome these challenges, we advocate for greater transparency, cutting-edge digital technologies, improved data sharing, and stronger collaboration among all parties involved. These enhancements are essential for fostering informed decision-making, reducing inefficiencies, and creating a more equitable and sustainable agri-food industry.

Our solution combines actionable data analytics and real-time market intelligence to deliver comprehensive support for the global agri-food industry, enabling stakeholders to make informed, strategic decisions with confidence.

More information: https://www.unido.org/solutions/empowering-global-agri-food-supply-chains-tomorrow