Riyadh – 08 Jumada al-Thani 1447 AH, corresponding to November 29, 2025
The 21st session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) concluded in the capital Riyadh with the issuance of the "Riyadh Declaration," a historic international document presenting a unified vision to advance sustainable and inclusive industrial development, in a step that affirms the Kingdom's global leadership and its role in shaping the future industrial agenda.

The conference, held under the name "Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit," ran from November 23 to 27, 2025, with the participation of ministers, decision-makers, industry leaders and representatives of international organizations from around the world, in a week that produced sessions and recommendations shaping the future of global industry.

Participants praised the Kingdom's outstanding organization of the summit and its ability to align its outcomes with international industrial development priorities amid rapid global transformations.

At the closing session, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef expressed the Kingdom's pride in hosting this global event and chairing the 21st session, affirming that the spirit of partnership and cooperation was a defining theme throughout the summit's discussions.

He said the "Riyadh Declaration" embodies the collective ambition of participating countries and serves as a guiding framework to help them address challenges and seize future opportunities, expressing confidence that the momentum generated in Riyadh will translate into tangible results around the world.

The unanimous adoption of the declaration by member states was the conference's standout achievement, focusing on:

  • Strengthening international industrial cooperation
  • Leveraging innovation and technology
  • Supporting industrial modernization
  • Addressing global challenges through advanced mechanisms

The conference also announced that April 21 of each year will be designated as International Day for Women in Industry, affirming the pivotal role of women in leading the industrial future. The minister stressed that empowering women is not just a social choice but an economic necessity for achieving growth and sustainability.

He thanked all participating delegations and UNIDO's leadership, particularly Director General Gerd Müller, praising the organization's teams for their professionalism and the vital role of national institutions, sponsors and partners who contributed to the edition's success.

At the summit's close, the Minister of Industry declared the conclusion of the 21st session of the UNIDO conference, affirming that its outcomes pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable global industrial future.