MANILA - The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) on Wednesday appointed the Philippines' Commission on Audit (COA) as its External Auditor from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020.

UNIDO is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability.

"We are honored by the trust and confidence that the General Conference of the UNIDO has placed on the audit expertise and integrity of the commission and its people. We pledge to perform our tasks with the highest degree of professionalism," COA Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo said in a statement.

The UNIDO General Conference (GC) approved COA's appointment during its 17th session held in Vienna, Austria from November 27 to December 1, 2017, the commission said.

The GC is UNIDO’s supreme policy-making organ where all member states meet once every 2 years.

It determines the guiding principles and policies of the organization, and approves UNIDO's budget and work program.

"Rest assured we will work together for the effective performance of UNIDO’s mandate as well as in achieving its strategic priorities of creating shared prosperity, advancing economic competitiveness, safeguarding the environment, and strengthening knowledge and institutions," Aguinaldo said.