The Global Industrial Summit (UNIDO) opens in Riyadh
A delegation led by Toyguly Nurov, Minister of Industry and Construction Production of Turkmenistan, is participating in the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 23–27 November 2025. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
Delegates from governments, the private sector, and civil society are discussing how industrial development can help address the world’s most urgent global challenges — from climate change and food shortages to building supply chains that bring equitable benefits to countries and workers around the world, according to the official UN website.
“Industrial development is essential for strengthening economies, combating poverty, creating jobs, and ensuring prosperity,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his address to summit participants, which was delivered by the UN representative in Saudi Arabia, Mohamed El-Zarkani.
By the end of the week, the 21st General Conference is expected to adopt decisions that will define UNIDO’s work for the next two years. These decisions may influence how the industrial sector contributes to building a greener, fairer, and more sustainable world.
Delegates will review draft resolutions, hear reports on UNIDO activities, and discuss new initiatives. The conference has also begun preparatory work for elections to the Industrial Development Board and the Programme and Budget Committee, which oversee UNIDO’s operations, the UN reported.
