VIENNA — Saudi Arabia won the bid to host the 21st session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Riyadh in November 2025. The Kingdom's victory was announced during the 20th session of the General Conference of UNIDO, held in the Austrian capital, Vienna, after a resolution was unanimously adopted by the organization's 172 member states. Saudi Arabia participated in the 20th session with an official delegation headed by the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al Khorayef, and a number of representatives from the government agencies in addition to the Kingdom's permanent delegation in Vienna. During his speech, Al Khorayef thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman for the support they provide to the Ministry to conduct its roles, and achieve its objectives within the aspirations of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. He also commended the tireless diplomatic efforts to mobilize the support of the organization's member states, which were carried out by the permanent delegation of the Kingdom in Vienna, led by Ambassador and Permanent Representative Dr. Abdullah Toula. He lauded the diplomatic efforts that generated support by holding intensive meetings and consultations with a number of state delegations and heads of regional groups, which resulted in consensus among member states. Saudi Arabia's victory to host the UNIDO General Conference in its 21st session in 2025 is considered as an international recognition of the Kingdom's position as an engine of economic growth and industrialization in the region, the minister stated. He also noted that this is a confirmation for Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting industrial development around the world. "The Kingdom will work to ensure that this conference is an exceptional and successful event on various levels." Holding this conference in Saudi Arabia is considered an opportunity to highlight the Kingdom's pioneering role as a regional leader in basic and transformational industries, and this is due to the state's advanced industrial systems and strong regulatory and legislative capabilities. This then qualifies it to lead and contribute to the development of the industrial development system in both the Middle East region and internationally. The minister added that: "Saudi Arabia's victory to host this event reflects its influential political and economic weight on the international arena, which was recently represented by its victory to host the World Expo 2030 in Riyadh." This will also contribute to providing an opportunity to participate in expanding conversations about the future of global industry, and strengthening the Kingdom's position as a center for manufacturing and technology in the region. Hosting the event in Riyadh also serves to introduce Saudi Arabia's industrial trends within the National Industrial Strategy plans, as well as highlighting the initiatives and procedures provided by the Kingdom to ensure sustainable growth in the industrial sector, which is one of the important strategic sectors in the map of diversifying economic resources in accordance with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030. More than 1,500 people are expected to participate in the next conference scheduled to be held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in 2025, including representatives of UNIDO member states, in addition to representatives of international organizations and the private sector. UNIDO is an international organization founded in 1966, and aims to promote industrial development in member countries, support small and medium industries, and enhance international cooperation in the field of industrial development.
