Saudi Arabia has been selected as the host country for the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in November 2025. The decision was made unanimously by the organization’s 172 member states during the 20th UNIDO General Conference in Vienna. The Saudi delegation, led by Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef, expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support in achieving the goals outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan.
The successful bid to host the conference is seen as an international recognition of Saudi Arabia’s position as a driver of economic growth and industrialization in the region. Minister Al-Khorayef emphasized that hosting the event is an opportunity to showcase the Kingdom’s leadership in basic and transformational industries, highlighting its advanced industrial systems, strong regulatory capabilities, and legislative frameworks that contribute to industrial development both regionally and globally. He also noted that this victory, along with Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host World Expo 2030, demonstrates the country’s influential political and economic weight on the international stage.
UNIDO, established in 1966, aims to promote industrial development among its member countries, support small and medium enterprises, and foster international cooperation in the field of industrial development. The upcoming conference in Riyadh is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, including representatives from UNIDO member states, international organizations, and the private sector.
On the sidelines of the UNIDO conference in Vienna, the Saudi Fund for Development showcased its international programs at the Kingdom’s pavilion. These programs align with the fund’s efforts to support industrial development and financing projects that contribute to social and economic growth in developing countries. The fund highlighted its involvement in the industrial and mining sectors, including 16 development projects and over $463.5 million in funding.