As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, its Procurement Division emerges as a linchpin in fostering international cooperation through sustainable supply chains. In an exclusive interview with KhabarAsia, Neris Mercedes Baez, Director of the UN Procurement Division, emphasized the organization's commitment to building resilience and inclusivity across global networks.
"Our work bridges governments, businesses, and civil society to create systems that withstand crises while advancing sustainable development goals," Baez stated. The division's $30 billion annual procurement portfolio now prioritizes eco-friendly solutions and diverse suppliers, particularly from developing economies.
This anniversary milestone highlights evolving strategies to address climate challenges through collaborative frameworks. Recent initiatives include digital platforms connecting small enterprises with UN agencies and streamlined certification processes for green technologies.
For investors and policymakers, these developments signal growing opportunities in sustainable infrastructure and cross-border partnerships. Academics note the model's potential to inform public-private cooperation frameworks in Asia's emerging markets.
