IRNA - Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the international organizations in Vienna was elected as deputy chairman of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for one year.

Gharibabadi was elected on the first day of the 46th session of UNIDO.

UNIDO, one of the specialized agencies in the UN with 168 members, was established in 1966 with the goal of industrial development in developing countries, poverty eradication and sustainable and environmental development.

The organization, headquartered in Vienna, includes the General Conference, the Industrial Development Board and the Programe and Budget Committee.

The 53-member Industrial Development Board is responsible for reviewing the implementation of UNIDO's work plan and making executive decisions.

UNIDO's office in Iran opened in 1999, aiming at focusing on Iran's industrial priorities and keeping close contact with ministries, public and private bodies, civil and research institutes as well as private sector.