RIYADH: The Riyadh Declaration, adopted on Thursday on the final day of the UNIDO Global Industry Summit, covered a wide range of issues connected to the industrial development of the Global South, from youth entrepreneurship to the empowerment of women business leaders.
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef — also president of the 21st session of the UN Industrial Development Organization General Conference, held in Riyadh that hosted the Global Industry Summit — announced that the Kingdom welcomed the adoption of April 21 as International Day of Women in Industry by UNIDO member states, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The designation, made during conference in Riyadh, is a significant global milestone, establishing the first international event dedicated to recognizing women’s role in driving inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
Alkhorayef said that this adoption reflects a growing global recognition of the importance of empowering women and enhancing their leadership in industrial transformation.
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources and President of the 21st session of the UNIDO General Conference Bandar Alkhorayef announced that Saudi Arabia welcomes the adoption of April 21 as International Day of Women in Industry by UNIDO member states. (SPA)
He noted that, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom continues to expand women’s participation in innovation, advanced industries, research and development, and industrial entrepreneurship.
The decision was affirmed during the summit’s women’s empowerment day, where delegations highlighted women as a key element in building advanced supply chains, driving technological transformation, and enhancing industrial competitiveness.
With the Riyadh Declaration adopted, the UNIDO General Conference was a step toward making industrial development a net positive for people and the planet.
In the past, this has not always been the case, but UNIDO is committed to making it happen.
“We know all about the challenges and the problems, but we are here to offer the solutions,” said Manuel Mattiat, the UNIDO chief of cabinet, who added: “Anything is possible with the knowledge that we have, the technologies that are available, and the money that is out there.”
