The 21st General Conference (GC21) of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), will be hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bringing together global industry leaders, experts, and international organizations from 173 countries.
This edition of GC21, organized by UNIDO in partnership with the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, is held under the theme ‘The power of investment and partnerships to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals’, under the umbrella of the Global Industry Summit 2025.
The conference aims to explore the future of sustainable manufacturing worldwide, strengthen cooperation between major industrialized and developing nations, and empower women and youth to play an integral role in shaping the future of global industry.
GC21 will take place at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh from November 23 to 27, 2025, serving as a global platform to chart the future of sustainable industry and a roadmap connecting digital transformation, climate action, and economic resilience. It will also play a key role in unifying a comprehensive industrial agenda across both emerging and advanced economies.
The GC21 event will witness broad participation from government representatives, international organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs. More than 150 speakers will take part in GC21 sessions, including 20 ministers and 35 chief executives of leading global companies, with notable participation from speakers representing Arab countries and GCC states.
Confirmed speakers include senior Saudi officials such as Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih, Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef, Vice Minister Eng. Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah, KACST President Dr. Munir Eldesouki, Mawani President Suliman Almazroua, Saudi Ambassador to Austria Dr. Abdullah bin Khalid Tawlah, Vision Entrepreneurship Organization Chairman Prince Fahad bin Mansour, and UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller.
Image credits: GC21 | Cropped by GBN
International participants include Indonesia’s Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Ecuador’s Production Minister Luis Alberto Jaramillo, Iraq’s Industry Minister Khalid Battal Al-Najim, Morocco’s Industry Minister Ryad Mezzour, Austria’s former Digital and Economic Affairs Minister Dr. Margarete Schramböck, Guinea’s Commerce Minister Diaka Sidibé, South Africa’s green industries lead Dr. Gerhard Fourie, and Italy’s UN Ambassador Debora Lepre.
Private-sector and global leaders include ACWA Power Founder Mohammed A. Abunayyan, UFI President Wolfram Diener, European Women Association President Yulia Stark, Women Leaders’ Association President Madiha Raslan, One Young World Co-founder Kate Robertson, Aeon Strategy Co-founder Princess Mashael AlShalan, and rising voices in innovation and economics including Karimot Odebode, Lily Yan Ing, and Dr. Hashim Hussein.
GC21 programs
The GC21 program spans three themed days reflecting the summit’s core priorities.
Image credits: GC21 | Cropped by GBN
Investment and Partnerships Day will explore reimagined trade, industrial value chains, AI-driven innovation, and key issues such as protectionism and financing for the Global South, alongside practical models in digital manufacturing and SME financing.
Women’s Empowerment Day will focus on how expanding women’s participation drives inclusive and sustainable industrial growth. Sessions will address leadership recognition, policy reform, and boosting women’s roles in key and creative sectors, while showcasing successful global and regional initiatives.
Future Generation Day places youth at the center of industrial dialogue, with discussions on AI skills, the digital economy, green jobs, entrepreneurship, and pathways from education to industry. Youth delegations from multiple regions will join, alongside showcases of Saudi successes in digital skills and startup ecosystem development.
Image credits: GC21 | Cropped by GBN
These themes underscore the 21st UNIDO General Conference as a global platform uniting industrial powers, developing and least developed countries, academia, NGOs, multilateral bodies, the private sector, and entrepreneurs to drive sustainable industrialization, investment, cross-border partnerships, women’s empowerment, and future-ready talent.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this global event reflects its prominent position in the international industrial landscape and its role in leading the dialogue to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development worldwide.
