GCC Secretary General Joins 21st UNIDO Conference in Riyadh

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), held in Riyadh under the patronage of Bandar bin Ibrahim Al Khorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event, hosted by the Kingdom and organised by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, took place on the sidelines of the 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and welcomed representatives from member states and global leaders within the industrial sector.

Albudaiwi affirmed that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this year’s UNIDO General Conference reflects its leadership in advancing innovation, technological transformation, and multilateral cooperation in industrial development. He highlighted the Kingdom’s active role in shaping joint solutions to challenges related to sustainable industrialisation and innovation.

The Secretary General praised the conference sessions for their forward-looking content and objectives, noting their focus on exploring new opportunities in industrial development, empowering women, and supporting the creativity and potential of innovative youth. He emphasized that such efforts help pave the way for more inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Albudaiwi also stressed the importance of the conference as a platform to strengthen partnerships among governments, the private sector, and civil society. He expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting the event and supporting industrial development programs that benefit developing countries, reaffirming the GCC’s readiness to contribute to these shared goals.