Riyadh to Host GC21 on Sunday, Bringing Together Global Industry Leaders to Shape the Future of Sustainable Manufacturing
Global industry leaders, experts, and international organizations from 173 countries will convene in Riyadh on Sunday for the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the umbrella of the "Global Industry Summit 2025".
This edition of the conference, organized by UNIDO in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, is held under the theme "The power of investment and partnerships to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals." It aims to explore the future of sustainable manufacturing worldwide, strengthen cooperation between major industrialized and developing nations, and empower women and youth to play an integral role in shaping the future of global industry.
The conference will take place at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh from November 23 to 27, 2025, serving as a global platform to chart the future of sustainable industry and a roadmap connecting digital transformation, climate action, and economic resilience. It will also play a key role in unifying a comprehensive industrial agenda across both emerging and advanced economies.
The event will witness broad participation from government representatives, international organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs. More than 150 speakers will take part in its sessions, including 20 ministers and 35 chief executives of leading global companies, with notable participation from speakers representing Arab countries and GCC states.
Among the confirmed speakers are: Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs Eng. Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) Dr. Munir Eldesouki, President of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) Suliman Almazroua, Saudi Ambassador to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Dr. Abdullah bin Khalid Tawlah, Chairman of the Vision Entrepreneurship Organization Prince Fahad bin Mansour bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization Gerd Müller.
The list also includes a select group of ministers and international officials, among them, Indonesian Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Ecuador's Minister of Production, Foreign Trade and Investment Luis Alberto Jaramillo, Iraqi Minister of Industry and Minerals Khalid Battal Al-Najim, Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour, Former Austrian Federal Minister for Digital and Economic Affairs Dr. Margarete Schramböck, Guinean Minister of Commerce, Industry and SMEs Diaka Sidibé, Chief Director of Green Industries at the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition Dr. Gerhard Fourie, Italy's Ambassador to the United Nations Debora Lepre.
Private-sector leaders include Founder and Chairman of ACWA Power Mohammed A. Abunayyan, President of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry Wolfram Diener and a distinguished group of international women leaders such as Founder and President of the European Women Association Yulia Stark, President of the Women Leaders' Association Madiha Raslan, Co-founder and CEO of One Young World Kate Robertson, Co-founder of Aeon Strategy Princess Mashael AlShalan, along with young speakers and emerging experts in economics and innovation including, Karimot Odebode, Lily Yan Ing, and Dr. Hashim Hussein.
The program of accompanying events extends across three main days that reflect the summit's core themes and pillars. On "Investment and Partnerships Day," discussions will focus on reimagining trade, industrial value chains, and AI-driven innovation, and on exploring issues such as trade protectionism and industrial financing for the Global South. This is in addition to showcasing practical models related to digital manufacturing and innovative financing to support small and medium enterprises.
On "Women's Empowerment Day," participants will examine how empowering women contributes to inclusive and sustainable industrial development by addressing the challenges that limit their participation. The discussion will centre on recognizing women's leadership, designing more responsive policies, and enhancing their presence in key and creative industries. The day will further highlight successful global and regional initiatives and plans to scale effective initiatives.
Lastly, "Future Generation Day" places young people at the center of the industrial dialogue through sessions focused on AI skills, the digital economy, green jobs, entrepreneurship, and pathways from education to industry. Youth delegations from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the GCC will take part, alongside presentations of Saudi experiences in developing digital skills and building startup ecosystems.
These themes reaffirm that the 21st UNIDO General Conference is a platform bringing together industrial powers, developing countries, least developed countries, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, multilateral organizations, private-sector industries, and entrepreneurs to advance joint solutions for sustainable industrialization, enhancing investment, building cross-border partnerships, empowering women, and preparing the next generation for the future of industry.
Saudi Arabia's hosting of this global event reflects its prominent position in the international industrial landscape and its role in leading the dialogue to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development worldwide.
For registration and to access the full session agenda, please visit: gc21.unido.org.
