On the way towards an inclusive and sustainable green hydrogen transition, countries face numerous challenges: they lack strategies, regulatory frameworks, investment incentives, know-how and more. Sound policymaking will be key to realizing green hydrogen’s potential, yet guidance on adequate measures is scarce.

At the heart of UNIDO mission lies the commitment to advance a just and inclusive global hydrogen economy, ensuring that no country is left behind and fostering socio-economic benefits. As coordinator and technical secretariat of the International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF), UNIDO facilitates cooperation among the members of the Forum and industrial leaders while bringing in the perspective and considerations of developing countries and transition economies in line with its mandate.

UNIDO’s ‘Global Clean Hydrogen Programme’ (link) for 14.9 million USD and 141.5 million USD co-financing was approved in early February 2024 during the 66th GEF Council Meeting under the GEF-8 funding cycle. This follows shortly after another UNIDO project was approved under GEF-8 for ‘Green Hydrogen Energy Application Project’ (link) in China for $17.8 million USD and $178.6 million USD co-financing.

VIENNA, 7 July 2021 – The launch and inauguration of the International Hydrogen Energy Centre (IHEC), a key knowledge partner for the UNIDO Global Programme for Green Hydrogen in Industry, was held virtually.

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, 8 November 2022 – Francesco La Camera, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), have signed a joint declaration on advancing sustainable energy through the fundamental role of green hydrogen.

Supporting message at the inauguration of the UNIDO's Global Partnership for Hydrogen Application in industry.

Watch here.

RABAT, 16 May 2022 – Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), is making an official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco to discuss future cooperation between UNIDO and Morocco.

The Director General met with Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government of Morocco, and agreed on stronger cooperation and a new joint initiative on green hydrogen.

TUNIS - More than 80 Tunisian and Austrian stakeholders, with 30 percent of women representation, gathered in a technical workshop on green hydrogen and water-related impacts. The event was co-organized by UNIDO in cooperation with the Austrian Ministry of Climate Action (BMK) to discuss future collaboration and projects in hydrogen between Tunisia and Austria. 

BAOTOU - The global transition towards cleaner energy sources has been gaining momentum, and the focus has shifted towards green hydrogen as a clean energy alternative. In this context, the construction of the International Hydrogen Energy Metallurgy and Chemical Demonstration Zone in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable and zero-carbon technologies.