HE GCCSG: Saudi Arabia’s Hosting of the 21st UNIDO General Conference Underscores its Leadership in Fostering Innovation and Multilateral Cooperation in Industrial Development

Under the patronage and presence of His Excellency Mr Bandar bin Ibrahim Al Khorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

Hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and organised by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the event was held on the sidelines of the 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board (IDB) today, Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh. The conference was attended by representatives from various member states and leaders of the industrial sector from around the world.

Commenting on the event, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General stated that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 21st UNIDO General Conference confirms its leadership in elevating innovation and multilateral cooperation in the field of industrial development, as well as its contribution to developing joint solutions to challenges related to sustainable industrialisation, innovation, and technological transformation.

Moreover, His Excellency praised the content of the conference sessions and its objectives, which aim to explore solutions and opportunities in this area, in addition to empowering women and innovative youth.

“The conference represents an opportunity to bolster partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society,” His Excellency stressed, expressing his appreciation for  the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts in hosting this event and for its dedication to supporting industrial development programmes in developing countries.