Riyadh: Europe and the Arabs

Seizing the opportunity to achieve inclusive and sustainable industrial development, envisioning a world free from hunger, and addressing the global challenge of poverty were all points emphasized in the Riyadh Declaration adopted at the conclusion of the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Participants stressed that what is now required is "real action" and a "clear vision" for the various challenges, according to the UN Daily News, a copy of which we received on Friday.

The declaration outlined the organization's new 2025 vision, which aims to address key global challenges, including poverty, energy poverty, and climate change, through three main priority areas for inclusive and sustainable industrial development:

Fair and sustainable global and regional supply chains;

Eradicating hunger through innovation and local value creation;

Renewable and clean energy, access to sustainable energy, and climate action. Areas such as clean energy and innovation were highlighted in displays and information throughout the conference exhibition, where attendees gathered around various booths showcasing the organization's work in different regions, or at the main stage, which hosted numerous important discussions over five days.

These topics, along with gender equality and women's empowerment, and cooperation with Africa, formed the core of the four resolutions adopted by member states at the closing session of the conference, held under the banner of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit.

Clarity in the Face of Challenges
Behind all the pledges and agreements, the most important message remains "optimism," as emphasized by Manuel Matiat, Chief of Staff of the UN Office of the Secretary-General for UN News. He stressed the importance of "clarity in the face of challenges and in addressing the opportunities of modern manufacturing and the future of industry."

He affirmed that implementation and achieving the desired goals on the path to industrial development that benefits everyone requires everyone's participation. He added: “If we truly want to make a real difference, reduce poverty, create jobs, and address the enormous challenges, we need to bring together more partners. It’s not just about one agency or small company. It includes donors and the entire community, whether the private sector or financial institutions.”

He emphasized that “money alone doesn’t make a real difference,” urging decision-makers to unite to achieve the goals.

For his part, Khalil bin Salma, Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources in Saudi Arabia, stressed the need to go beyond mere announcements, which he described as “not just a declaration, but a collective expression of confidence,” emphasizing the importance of implementation. Working for the future: The call to action, to move from words to deeds, especially in empowering the next generation on the path to industrial development, was a message echoed by many participants, including Kate Robertson, Executive Director of One Young World, an organization that focuses on helping and supporting young leaders around the world. She addressed a message to “officials, business leaders, and all those older than us: the necessary action is to pay attention to the young talent around you.” She added, "In every town, city, and country, there are bright young talents around you. What do these talents need from you? They need to be employed and invested in through grants. That's all they ask. It's not a big deal, and it's not difficult."

She emphasized that the "One Young World" Foundation is a model in this field, "where we have a team that does nothing throughout the year except support young people and provide them with what they need."

Hope and Dreams
This vision for the future was the theme of one of the conference days dedicated to discussing youth empowerment, which Dr. Hashim Hussein, head of the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Manama, Bahrain, described as "our most important day." Dr. Hashim stressed the importance of focusing on "the voices of the future," referring to the session he moderated during the conference, in which his office presented examples of young people from several countries, including Morocco, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Kenya.

Dr. Hashim said, "These voices of the future are what give hope. They are the goal, the hope, and the dream." The conference had devoted two more days to focusing on investment and partnerships, and empowering women in industry, concluding with a message of hope and determination to continue on the path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including industrial development that achieves prosperity, eliminates poverty and empowers communities.