About the General Conference

To fully capitalize on the potential of the General Conference of UNIDO, its twenty first session will transform into the Global Industry Summit (GIS) 2025, taking place from 23 to 27 November in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The General Conference is UNIDO’s supreme policymaking organ, convening all 173 Member States once every two years. The Conference defines the Organization’s guiding principles and policies, approves budgets and work programmes, and elects members of the Industrial Development Board and the Programme and Budget Committee. Every four years, the Conference appoints the Director General of UNIDO. The current President of the General Conference is Her Excellency Ms. Debora Lepre (Italy).

About UNIDO

UNIDO is a specialized United Nations agency with a unique mandate to accelerate sustainable industrial development, supporting developing countries and emerging economies in building and transforming their industries.

Our vision is to build a fairglobal economy, free from poverty and hunger, with peace and prosperity for all. Sustainable industrial development is a key driver of economic and social progress, creating jobs and income, ending hunger and poverty, reducing inequalities, limiting emissions, preserving ecosystems and protecting the planet for future generations.

Our mission: UNIDO promotes industries for development worldwide and advances all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with its mandate specifically aligned with SDG 9. UNIDO’s work is central to improving living standards and securing our common future.

Our Offer: UNIDO offers technical cooperation, policy advice and norms- and standards-related services. Additionally, UNIDO serves as a global platform for knowledge and technology transfer, fostering partnerships, synergies, innovations, and investments in developing countries. UNIDO works with a wide range of development actors and the private sector.

About Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM)

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) was established by Royal Decree No. (A/472) on 29/12/1440H (30/08/2019), marking a strategic shift in Saudi Arabia’s economic direction. Since its founding, the Ministry has overseen all responsibilities related to the industrial and mining sectors, advancing their development in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. The Ministry leads Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build a diversified, sustainable industrial economy. With a mandate to empower local industries and attract global investment, the Ministry plays a key role in advancing the Kingdom’s industrial and mining strategy.