Riyadh: During the 21st session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from November 23 to 27, member states from over 170 countries adopted the Riyadh Declaration, calling for strengthening multilateral cooperation, advancing industrial development, and accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Riyadh Declaration establishes a unified global vision for inclusive and sustainable industrial development, prioritizing equitable supply chains, innovation, and international partnerships. It reaffirms UNIDO’s pivotal role in driving industrial transformation, job creation, strengthening global value chains, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
The declaration renews the international community’s commitment to sustainable development and poverty eradication, recognizing that inclusive industrial development is a cornerstone for increasing productivity, expanding employment, especially for women and youth, and promoting robust economic growth. Member states agreed to expand local manufacturing and value addition, support private investment in agro-processing, and promote innovation and technology transfer to ensure global food security.
The declaration recommends exploring the establishment of a sustainable international manufacturing platform to serve as a global incubator for knowledge, innovative technologies, and investment opportunities. This platform aims to maximize value addition and incentivize private sector participation in large-scale industrial solutions to foster inclusive, equitable, and sustainable value chains.
The Riyadh Declaration urges development partners to expand manufacturing support for Africa and strengthens international cooperation to meet the needs of least developed countries, landlocked countries, small island developing states, and conflict-affected countries. It also supports the initiative to establish an International Day of Women in Industry.
By successfully hosting the conference and achieving the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia solidifies its position as a global platform for shaping the sustainable industrial development agenda, launching a new phase as a global industrial power that links national initiatives with international partnerships.