The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) and global private sector hydrogen organisation the Hydrogen Council have signed a joint declaration reinforcing ongoing collaboration, in particular, to support the development of global standards for hydrogen production.

This support includes, in particular, developing the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standard methodology for greenhouse-gas emissions assessment of hydrogen production, conditioning and transport developed by ISO, as well as capacity building for developing countries to enhance their contributions to and participation in global standard development.

The organisations also agreed to assess and identify best practices in maximising social value of the hydrogen economy in the emerging markets and developing countries, through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Roadmap for Hydrogen.

Further, the joint declaration is aimed at advancing public-private dialogue between decision-makers and CEOs in the framework of the International Hydrogen Trade Forum and support the forum activities, including with the Hydrogen Council insights.

“A truly global hydrogen economy will play a key role in supporting sustainable economic growth in emerging markets and transition economies and facilitating supply diversification for importing regions while accelerating decarbonisation.

“As we move from strategies and announcements to implementation on the ground, Unido and the Hydrogen Council advance close cooperation to help unlock environmental and socio-economic benefits of renewable hydrogen and derivatives internationally,” the organisations said.

"Creating in-country value and boosting green growth in prospective exporting regions in developing countries is crucial for both the industry and the importing regions seeking to diversify their supplies in hydrogen and derivatives going forward. Unlocking social value of hydrogen is integral to the organisational identities of the Hydrogen Council and UNIDO and we are excited to be moving ahead with implementation of a number of joint initiatives," said Hydrogen Council executive director Daryl Wilson.

“Low-emissions hydrogen will help drive net-zero economic development in the Global South. Cooperating with the private sector is key, and we are confident that through our partnership with the Hydrogen Council we are well equipped to respond to any challenges involved. Together we will develop tangible projects that contribute to a just energy transition leaving no country behind," added Unido director-general Gerd Müller.