ASIATODAY.ID, RIYADH – On 24 November 2025, the second day of the 21st UNIDO General Conference ran in parallel with the Global Industry Summit, focusing on “Investment and Partnership: The Future of Industrialization – AI as a Gamechanger.” The first of three thematic days highlighted sector-specific opportunities, strategic collaboration, and innovation as key drivers of sustainable industrial growth.
UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller emphasized the importance of innovation and strategic partnerships in driving sustainable industrial development.
Meanwhile, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, President of the General Conference and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, stressed the need for innovative partnerships and increased investment to achieve long-lasting impact.
Parallel Sessions and Side Events
Delegates participated in interactive sessions and formal panels at the Atelier Future, exchanging experiences, ideas, and best practices while forging partnerships to advance sustainable economic and industrial development.
The Africa Investment Roundtable focused on the critical role of strategic investments and partnerships in shaping Africa’s industrial future, aligned with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Müller stated:
“African countries need real investments and partnerships. As Africa enters its decisive decade of development, the future of the continent will shape the future of the global economy.”
A high-level side event on industrial resilience and recovery highlighted the importance of rebuilding livelihoods in crisis-affected countries by restoring jobs, local value chains, and functioning enterprises. Government representatives from Palestine, Sudan, and the Syrian Arab Republic joined international partners to share experiences, explore joint solutions, and present UNIDO’s approach to industrial recovery. Müller emphasized:
“Recovery is never easy. But industry is a stabilizing force; recovery can become renewal, and crisis can become the starting point of a more resilient industrial future.”
Other sessions covered:
Just energy transitions as drivers of industrial growth.
Scaling inclusive and sustainable solutions in the blue economy.
Promoting investment and technology transfer as engines of transformation.
Strengthening two-way investment in the MENA region to support economic diversification and shared prosperity.
Historic Announcements and Agreements
Signing of the Programme for Country Partnership for Palestine 2025-2030.
Launch of the Industrial Recovery Programme in the Syrian Arab Republic 2026-2030.
Joint Declaration by UNIDO and Sudan on the Industrial Recovery Programme 2026-2030.
Membership pledge for the Global Alliance for Responsible and Green Minerals by Germany and Finland as first members.
Joint Declaration with the Africa Finance Corporation and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia to support the Ethiopian coffee sector via a USD 10 million credit facility.
Launch of FairShare, UNIDO’s programmatic framework for fair and sustainable supply chains.
Joint Declaration with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to strengthen cooperation in small-scale industries, industrial investment promotion, technological capacity building, and technical cooperation among Member States.
Joint Declaration with the West African Development Bank to strengthen industrial finance mechanisms and green investment promotion.
Joint Declaration with the Dubai World Trade Centre to enhance UNIDO as a global platform for technology transfer, market access for startups, and youth innovators.
Joint Declaration with Tsingshan Holding Group for cooperation on sustainable and green nickel value chains.
Trust Fund Agreement with the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute for UNIDO’s AIM Centre of Excellence.
Joint Declaration with the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency to promote cross-border industrial zones, green logistics, and value-chain integration across Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
The second day of the Summit reinforced that strategic investment, innovation, and partnerships are the cornerstones of a sustainable and inclusive industrial future, with UNIDO leading initiatives across global industries, green technologies, and recovery efforts in crisis-affected countries. (AT Network)
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