Conclusion of the World Industry Summit in Riyadh – calls for real action, a clear vision, and an aspiration to support the future generation
The declaration referred to the organization’s new Vision 2025, which aims to address major global challenges, including poverty, energy poverty, and climate change, through 3 main priority areas for comprehensive and sustainable industrial development:
🔹Fair and sustainable global and regional supply chains,
🔹Eliminate hunger through innovation and local value addition,
🔹Renewable and clean energy, access to sustainable energy and climate action.
In those areas, such as clean energy and innovation, we saw signs and information mentioning them inside the exhibition of the conference, where the attendees gathered around the various corners that familiarized them with the work of the organization in the various regions, or the main platform that witnessed many important discussions over the course of five days.
These topics, in addition to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and cooperation with Africa, were the focus of the four resolutions adopted by member states at the closing session of the conference, which was held under the name of the World Industry Summit.
Closing of the 21st General Conference of UNIDO, which was held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Clarity in facing challenges
Behind all the pledges and agreements, the most important message remains “optimism”As Manuel Matiat, the organization’s chief of staff, confirmed to UN News, who stressed the importance “Clarity in facing challenges and dealing with opportunities of modern manufacturing and the future of the industry”.
He stressed that implementation and achieving the desired goal on the path of industrial development, which is in everyone’s interest, means everyone’s participation.
Chief of Staff of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Manuel Matiat during the 11th Ministerial Conference of the Least Developed Countries in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
He added: “If we really want to make a real difference, impact poverty reduction, create jobs, and address enormous challenges, we need to bring together more partners. It is not just one agency or small company. It includes donors, and the entire community, whether the private sector or financial institutions.”.
He confirmed that “Money alone doesn’t make a real difference.”He called on decision makers to unite together to achieve the goals.
In turn, Khalil bin Salamah, Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stressed the need for the matter not to stop at the announcement, which he described as “It is not just an announcement, but a collective expression of trust.”stressing the importance of the application.
Work for the future
The call to action and the transition from words to actions, especially in the field of empowering the future generation on the path to industrial development, is a message sent by many participants, including Kate Robertson, Executive Director of the One Young World Foundation, which focuses on helping and supporting young leaders in various parts of the world.
Kate Robertson, co-founder and CEO of One Young World Foundation, during her participation in the 21st UNIDO General Conference.
A message was sent to “Officials, businessmen, and everyone who is older: the required action is to pay attention to the young talents around you.”.
She added: “In every town, city and country, there are bright young talents around you. What do they need from you? You need to hire them, invest in them through grants. That’s all they ask for. It’s not a big deal, nor is it difficult.”.
She emphasized that the “One Young World” Foundation is a model in this field “We have a team that does nothing all year round except support the youth and provide what they need.”.
Hope and dream
This outlook towards the future was the title of one of the days of the conference devoted to discussing youth empowerment, which Dr. Hashim Hussein, head of the Investment and Technology Promotion Office of UNIDO in the Bahraini capital, Manama, described as “The most important day for us”.
Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office.
Dr. Hashem stressed the importance of focusing on: “Voices of the Future”Pointing to the session he moderated during the conference, in which his office presented examples of young people from several countries, including Morocco, Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Kenya.
Dr. Hashem said: “These voices of the future are what give hope. They are the goal, the hope, the dream.”.
The conference allocated two more days to focus on investment, partnerships, and empowering women in the field of industry, concluding with a message of hope and determination to continue on the path to achieving Sustainable development goalsincluding industrial development that achieves well-being, eliminates poverty, and empowers communities.
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