UN Resident Coordinator emphasizes role of Green and Digital Transitions in Advancing Quality of Life

Dr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Türkiye emphasized that in alignment with the 12th National Development Plan, the primary objective of the green and digital transitions should be to create high-quality, decent jobs, ultimately enhancing the standard of living and quality of life for all citizens in the country. 

He emphasized the crucial role of industry and technology in accelerating progress towards sustainable development during a visionary talk delivered to the senior staff of Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Industry and Technology (MoIT) and its subsidiary organs on August 23 at the Ministry headquarters in the capital Ankara. 

Resident Coordinator Ahonsi and the Deputy Minister Dr. Çetin Ali Dönmez met before the talk and exchanged views on how better to utilize the experience of MoIT staff on development initiatives in Africa and the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). They also shared perspectives on the Istanbul-based UN Technology Bank for LDCs.

At the visionary talk attended by close to 90 senior staff, Ahonsi began by reaffirming the strong relationship between the UN and Republic of Türkiye, a founding member of the UN, highlighting the ongoing collaboration through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2021—2025). This partnership addresses Türkiye's national development priorities, especially in light of recent global and local crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Syrian crisis, the war in Ukraine, and the devastating earthquakes of 2023.

“Technology and innovation have emerged as powerful catalysts for sustainable development in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape” said Ahonsi and talked about the importance of SDGs 8 and 9, which focus on promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth and fostering industry, innovation, and infrastructure. He identified several challenges impeding progress, such as a lack of competitiveness, limited innovative skills, and persistent unemployment. To overcome these obstacles, Dr. Ahonsi called for a concerted effort to bridge the digital divide, enhance skill development, and foster entrepreneurship and innovation.

“We do know that with sustained investments in digital, energy, food systems, climate-related, and educational transformations, accelerated progress towards the SDGs can be made by Türkiye by 2030. And the Ministry of Industry and Technology (MoIT) given its mandate can make important contributions to such progress” said Ahonsi.

The Resident Coordinator said "the deployment of Industry 4.0, including AI, IoT, and automation, is essential for boosting productivity and ensuring sustainable economic growth." He also stressed the importance of sustainable resource use, particularly in reducing the environmental impact of industrial processes and promoting renewable energy technologies.

The speech also highlighted ongoing UN-MoIT collaborations, including gender-specific programs to empower female innovators and entrepreneurs, and initiatives supporting the adoption of clean technology and eco-friendly production methods. Additionally, Dr. Ahonsi announced a forthcoming joint UN program aimed at supporting migrants' inclusion in Türkiye's transition to a green economy.

Looking ahead, the Resident Coordinator Ahonsi urged a focus on increasing AI adoption in key sectors, boosting STEM education, and strengthening efforts towards a green transition to ensure Türkiye's economic growth is both sustainable and inclusive.

“The Republic of Türkiye is a founding member of the UN and has been a longstanding supporter of the UN as the nucleus of the multilateral system” emphasized Ahonsi in his concluding remarks and reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting Türkiye's aspirations to become a developed, high-income country, ensuring that progress benefits all citizens and residents, leaving no one behind.

The event marked a significant step in the ongoing partnership between the UN and the MoIT.

You can access the full speech of the Resident Coordinator here.