Riyadh To Host GC21 With Global Industry Leaders Focusing On Sustainable Manufacturing

In Riyadh, the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) will gather global leaders and experts from 173 countries. This event, hosted by Saudi Arabia under the "Global Industry Summit 2025," aims to discuss sustainable manufacturing's future and strengthen cooperation between industrialized and developing nations. The conference will take place at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center from November 23 to 27, 2025.

The conference's theme is "The power of investment and partnerships to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals." It seeks to empower women and youth in shaping global industry. The event will serve as a platform for discussing digital transformation, climate action, and economic resilience. It aims to unify an industrial agenda across emerging and advanced economies.

Over 150 speakers, including 20 ministers and 35 CEOs of leading companies, will participate. Notable speakers include Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Industry Bandar Alkhorayef, and Vice Minister Eng. Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah. Other prominent figures are Dr. Munir Eldesouki from KACST, Suliman Almazroua from Mawani, and Dr. Abdullah bin Khalid Tawlah.

International officials such as Indonesian Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita and Ecuador's Luis Alberto Jaramillo will also attend. The list includes Moroccan Minister Ryad Mezzour, former Austrian Federal Minister Dr. Margarete Schramböck, Guinean Minister Diaka Sidibé, South African Dr. Gerhard Fourie, and Italy's Ambassador Debora Lepre.

Private-sector leaders like ACWA Power's Mohammed A. Abunayyan and Wolfram Diener from the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry will be present. Women leaders such as Yulia Stark from the European Women Association and Madiha Raslan from the Women Leaders' Association will also contribute.

The conference will feature young speakers like Karimot Odebode, Lily Yan Ing, and Dr. Hashim Hussein. These individuals represent emerging experts in economics and innovation.

Event Themes

The program spans three main days reflecting core themes: "Investment and Partnerships Day," "Women's Empowerment Day," and "Future Generation Day." Discussions on trade protectionism, industrial financing for the Global South, digital manufacturing models, and innovative financing for SMEs are planned.

"Women's Empowerment Day" focuses on how empowering women aids inclusive industrial development by addressing participation challenges. It highlights women's leadership recognition, policy design improvements, and their presence in key industries.

Youth Engagement

"Future Generation Day" emphasizes youth involvement in industrial dialogue through sessions on AI skills, digital economy jobs, entrepreneurship pathways from education to industry. Youth delegations from various regions will participate alongside presentations on Saudi digital skill development.

This conference underscores Saudi Arabia's role in promoting sustainable industrial development globally. It brings together diverse stakeholders to advance solutions for sustainable industrialization while enhancing investment opportunities.

With inputs from SPA