The 21st Session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), known as the Global Industry Summit 2025 and organized in cooperation with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was held in Riyadh from 23 to 27 November. The event gathered around 3,000 participants, including government delegations, international organizations, economic actors and NGOs, in a programme of thematic days dedicated to investments and partnerships, women’s empowerment and the role of youth in sustainable industrial development.
Ambassador Debora Lepre, Italy’s Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna, opened the proceedings as outgoing President of the General Conference, recalling the challenges and opportunities of the international cooperation system. She then handed over the chairmanship to the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, who will hold the position for the next two years.
The Conference concluded with the adoption by acclamation of the Riyadh Declaration on the collective commitment to inclusive, sustainable and resilient industrial development, as well as the approval of four resolutions on gender equality, food security, the circular economy and the nexus between energy and industry in Africa. Particularly noteworthy is the resolution on gender, which established the “International Day of Women in Industry”, to be celebrated annually on 21 April.
Italy participated with a delegation led by the Director General for Development Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stefano Gatti. In his statement, Director General Gatti reaffirmed Italy’s excellent cooperation with UNIDO, the centrality of the African continent in Italy’s action and the importance of private-sector development as a driver of growth and employment. He highlighted in particular the implementation of the ACT – Advancing Climate-Resilience and Transformation in African Coffee programme, a priority initiative of the Mattei Plan and a flagship of the European Global Gateway. The Director General also took part in a side event dedicated to the coffee sector, in line with the strategic Italy–UNIDO partnership.
In this context, the Conference also provided an opportunity to further explore cooperation between Italy and Saudi Arabia on the development of coffee value chains in Africa, a topic at the centre of a meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, and Minister Al-Khorayef.
Ambassador Lepre also spoke as Co-Chair of the Group of Friends of Food Security in Vienna, stressing UNIDO’s essential role in this field and welcoming the adoption of the resolution on food security. During the day dedicated to women’s empowerment, the Ambassador further highlighted how women’s participation in industry represents a key factor for competitiveness and innovation.
Luca Fratini, Coordinator for the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, also intervened during the sessions dedicated to women and youth. He illustrated Italy’s approach, which integrates security, empowerment and development in policies aimed at new generations and gender equality.
The Conference finally saw Italy’s re-election as a member of UNIDO’s Programme and Budget Committee and the confirmation of Director General Gerd Müller for an additional four-year term.
(photo credit: UNIDO)
