21st UNIDO General Conference Opens In Riyadh With Focus On Sustainable Development And Global Partnerships

The 21st session of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) General Conference commenced in Riyadh. This event, hosted by Saudi Arabia for the first time as the "Global Industry Summit 2025," is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. Delegates from Member States will gather until 27 November at King Abdulaziz International Conference Center to discuss sustainable industrialization.

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar AlKhorayef highlighted Saudi Vision 2030's role in transforming the Kingdom's industry. He noted that over 800 industrial investment opportunities are identified through 2035, covering sectors like electric vehicles, robotics, and clean energy. The Minister emphasized expanding women's participation in industry, which has doubled in less than a decade.

The conference theme, "The Power of Investment and Partnerships to Accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals," addresses global challenges. Vice Minister for Industry Affairs Khalil bin Salamah delivered Saudi Arabia’s Host country statement. He stressed that UNIDO’s principles align with Saudi Arabia’s vision for sustainable industrial development benefiting societies worldwide.

Saudi Arabia's industrial transformation is driven by Vision 2030 and the National Industrial Strategy. Industrial investments now exceed SAR1.5 trillion, with 12,500 factories forming a robust base. The opening day saw participation from government officials, international organizations, private sector leaders, academia, and entrepreneurs.

More than 150 speakers are participating, including 20 ministers and 35 CEOs from leading global companies. Notable speakers include Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih; Vice Minister for Industry Affairs Khalil bin Salamah; President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology Dr. Munir Al-Desouki; CEO of the Saudi Ports Authority Eng. Suliman Al-Mazroua; Ambassador Dr. Abdullah bin Tawlah; Chairman Prince Fahad bin Mansour Al Saud; and UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller.

The lineup also features senior international officials such as Indonesia’s Minister of Industry; Ecuador’s Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, and Investment; Iraq’s Minister of Industry and Minerals; Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade; Former Austrian Minister of Economy and Digital Affairs; Africa and GCC industry leaders; senior diplomats; and ambassadors.

Conference Themes

The conference programme spans three thematic days reflecting its core pillars. Investment and Partnership Day explores trade reimagining, industrial value chains, AI-driven innovation, protectionism discussions, financing for the Global South, digital manufacturing case studies, and innovative SME financing.

Women's Empowerment Day examines how empowering women can advance sustainable industrial development through policy reforms, leadership roles, and successful initiatives globally and regionally. Future Generation Day focuses on youth through sessions on AI skills, digital economy jobs, entrepreneurship pathways from education to industry.

Youth Engagement

Youth delegations from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, GCC countries participate with Saudi success stories in digital upskilling highlighted. Private sector participants include Huawei leaders Wootlab Foundation ACWA Power Global Association Exhibition Industry prominent women leaders Yulia Stark Madiha Raslan Kate Robertson Princess Mishaal AlShalan youth innovation experts Karimot Odebode Lily Yan Ing Dr Hashim Hussein.

Saudi Arabia's hosting affirms its emergence as an industrial leader committed to building an inclusive economic future. The Riyadh conference sets a new direction for global industry where technological advancement human progress create lasting opportunities across nations.

With inputs from SPA