Saudi Arabia To Host The 21st UNIDO General Conference In Riyadh From November 23 To 27, 2025

Saudi Arabia will host the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Riyadh from November 23 to 27, 2025. This announcement was made during a promotional event by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources alongside UNIDO at the 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board (IDB) in Vienna.

The promotional event in Vienna was attended by Dr. Abdullah K. Tawlah, Saudi Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organizations. Representatives from several member states and industry leaders were also present. The gathering highlighted Saudi Arabia's preparations for the conference.

Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs, Eng. Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah, stated that hosting this conference demonstrates Saudi Arabia's dedication to fostering multilateral cooperation in industrial development. He highlighted efforts towards sustainable manufacturing, innovation, and technological transformation.

The UNIDO General Conference is a significant international event that gathers policymakers, industry leaders, and experts globally. It addresses crucial issues like sustainable industrialization, digital transformation, green industry, and the circular economy. The conference also aims to boost development cooperation with least developed and middle-income countries.

The event showcased presentations on national initiatives and industrial projects from various Saudi entities. These included contributions from the Ministry of Media (Konooz Initiative), Ministry of Investment (Invest Saudi), Saudi Fund for Development, Saudi Tourism Authority (Spirit of Saudi), and Saudi Export Development Authority.

Director General of UNIDO Gerd Müller expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting this summit. He said: "The 21st UNIDO General Conference in Riyadh will be a leading forum for the future of industries for development. We are bringing together governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations to forge new partnerships."

Aligning with Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia's hosting aligns with its national vision to become a leading regional industrial hub. This move underscores the Kingdom's broader strategy to develop a competitive and sustainable industrial sector as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda.

The conference will serve as a platform for discussing pressing global issues related to industry and development. It aims to create new partnerships among governments, private sectors, civil societies, and international organizations.

This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing its industrial sector while promoting sustainable practices on an international stage.

With inputs from SPA