Riyadh: The State of Qatar participated in the 21st session of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) General Conference - Global Industry Summit 2025, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from Nov. 23-27. The event saw the involvement of senior government officials, representatives of member states, and international company leaders, along with the UNIDO Director-General. HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki led the Qatari delegation.
According to Qatar News Agency, the UNIDO General Conference serves as a pivotal international platform, convening leaders, investors, and experts to deliberate on transforming visions and strategies into practical steps for fostering inclusive and sustainable industrial development globally. In his address, HE the Undersecretary emphasized the critical role of UNIDO amid current global challenges. He highlighted industry as a cornerstone for bolstering international cooperation and supporting sustainable development efforts, contributing to comprehensive growth and economic and social stability.
His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to the organization's objectives, particularly in promoting sustainable industrial development in developing and least developed countries. He lauded the initiatives in UNIDO's 2024 annual report, which focus on technology transfer, investment incentives, public-private partnerships, and innovation in clean energy, thereby advancing international efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger.
HE Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki expressed Qatar's desire to enhance cooperation with UNIDO in areas such as industrial policy advice, digital transformation programs, and human capacity development. He also mentioned a contribution agreement between the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and UNIDO, aimed at bolstering innovation, consulting services, clean technology, and energy efficiency, signaling Qatar's readiness to further develop this collaboration in the future.
Concluding his remarks, His Excellency underscored the importance of strengthening joint international efforts to achieve sustainable industrial development, reaffirming Qatar's dedication to supporting UNIDO's mission for a more sustainable and prosperous future worldwide.
The conference sessions featured discussions on various topics, including the future of manufacturing, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, climate action, clean energy, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, supply chains and trade, innovative finance, and empowerment of women and youth. Additionally, the sessions addressed investment and partnerships, highlighting artificial intelligence's role as a catalyst for industrial change and the impact of youth on sustainable industrial transformation.
On the sidelines of the conference, HE the Undersecretary participated in the extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly of the Arab Organization for Industrial Development, Standardization and Mining, focusing on the "Arab Industrial Integration Strategy." He also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimovic, to discuss enhancing commercial, investment, and industrial cooperation between Qatar and Montenegro.
The meeting also covered Qatar's successful economic policies supporting the private sector and the incentives, legislation, and promising investment opportunities provided by the State to attract investors and businessmen to the Qatari market.