Saudi Arabia is hosting the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), under the umbrella of the Global Industry Summit 2025.
The event brings together top industry leaders, experts and international organizations from 173 countries to discuss the role of investments and partnerships in driving sustainable development.
Global Industry Summit 2025
UNIDO, in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, organizes the 21st session of the UNIDO General Conference (UNIDO GC21) at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Taking place from November 23-27, the Global Industry Summit 2025 adopts the theme “The Power of Investment and Partnerships to Accelerate Sustainable Development Goals.”
The summit aims to explore the future of sustainable manufacturing across the world, strengthen cooperation between major industrialized countries and developing nations, and empower women and youth to contribute to shaping the future of global industry.
Sustainable Industry Future
This edition of UNIDO GC21 focuses on promoting inclusive and resilient growth through adopting new investment models, supporting industrial innovation, and realigning global value-chains.
Moreover, the summit serves as a global platform for defining the future of sustainable industry and charting a roadmap that connects digital transformation, climate action, and economic resilience. It also plays a pivotal role in developing a comprehensive industrial agenda for emerging and advanced economies alike.
By hosting this global event, Saudi Arabia cements its leading position in the international industrial landscape and influential role in driving the dialogue to enhance inclusive and sustainable industrial development around the world. It also reinforces the Kingdom’s efforts to expand its industrial and manufacturing base as part of a greater push to diversify its economy under Vision 2030.
Distinguished Speakers
The Global Industry Summit 2025 expects a wide participation from government representatives, international organizations, private sector, academic institutions and entrepreneurs. It also features 150 distinguished speakers, including 20 ministers and 35 CEOs of major international companies, as well as speakers from Arab countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
The list of confirmed speakers includes Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih; Industry Minister Bandar Al-Khorayef; President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) Munir Eldesouki; President of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) Suliman Almazroua; and Director General of the UNIDO Gerd Müller.
Speakers also include a group of ministers and senior officials from across the world, such as Indonesia’s Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita; Ecuador’s Minister of Production, Foreign Trade and Investment Luis Alberto Jaramillo; Iraq’s Minister of Industry and Minerals Khalid Battal Al-Najim; and Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour.
Furthermore, the list includes former Austrian federal minister for digital and economic affairs Margarete Schramböck; and Guinea’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and SMEs Diaka Sidibé. It also features leaders from the private sector, prominent women figures, young speakers, and emerging experts in economics and innovation.
Key Themes
The Global Industry Summit 2025 discusses 3 key themes. The first is “Investment and Partnership: The Future of Industrialization – AI as a Gamechanger.” It aims to present cutting-edge digital solutions, leading initiatives and innovative financial models to drive industry transformation.
The second theme is “Women’s Empowerment: Women’s Role in the Future of Industry and Economy.” It focuses on unlocking women potential in industry by removing structural barriers, as well as forging responsive policies to enhance women’s participation in industrial transformation. It also aims to launch an “International Day of Women in Industry.”
The third key theme is “Generation Future: Inspiration for Tomorrow’s Industry.” This theme is dedicated to youth empowerment in sustainable industrial transformation, in line with Saudi Arabia and UNIDO’s joint commitment to a green, digital, and inclusive industrial transformation powered by the future generation. It discusses several issues, including AI skills, digital economy, entrepreneurship and green jobs.
