In a significant stride towards fostering collaboration and innovation, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and global logistics company DHL Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the 28th UN Climate Change Conference in the United Arab Emirates in December. The event marked the official launch of the “Innovation for Food Systems Transformation” global innovation challenge, a testament to their collective commitment to revolutionizing agribusiness and climate-related initiatives. At the heart of this partnership lies the determination to enhance food preservation, diminish food waste within African markets, and enhance global market access for producers.

The Innovation Challenge shines a spotlight on visionary technology providers who have devised sustainable solutions within agribusiness supply chains and logistics. These solutions are meticulously crafted to surmount the challenges encountered within the ‘first-mile’ supply chain, uplift the livelihoods of farmers, and promote the adoption of a sustainable food system with zero waste. With a keen interest in
multiple sectors at the crossroads of logistics and sustainability, this partnership seeks innovative solutions in clean technology, perishable logistics, novel sustainable business models, intelligent solutions, and sustainable packaging and containers.

Gunther Beger, Managing Director of UNIDO’s Directorate for SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, underscores the commitment to stimulating economic transformation and fostering innovation for lasting positive change. “This partnership with DHL Group holds immense potential in addressing food security and establishing sustainable food supply chains. Uniting industry expertise and innovative solutions is paramount in tackling global challenges and nurturing a more sustainable future.”

Steven Pope, Head of Trade Facilitation at DHL Group, added: “DHL Group and UNIDO join hands, committed to minimizing food waste and shifting the paradigms of agriculture. I believe that this partnership is a beacon of hope. We continue our way towards a more sustainable and equitable global food system, with the aim of uplifting the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring that they will see sustainable benefits in this transformative journey towards a better, more resilient agricultural future.”