Kingdom joins 53rd Industrial Development Board in Vienna

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated in the 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board (IDB) of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), held in Vienna, Austria. The delegation included His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industry, Eng. Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah, the Kingdom’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organizations in Vienna, Dr. Abdullah bin Khaled Toulah, along with several leaders from the industrial and mining sectors.

During his speech to the member states, Eng. bin Salamah emphasized the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to build a competitive and sustainable industrial sector, leveraging its strategic location, natural resources, and advanced infrastructure. He stressed the importance of strengthening international partnerships and supporting public-private sector cooperation to achieve sustainable industrial development.

The board discussed strategic, programmatic, and financial issues, including the Director-General’s annual report, the work program and budget for 2026–2027, cooperation with Africa, climate-neutral industry, the circular economy, support for middle-income and least-developed countries, as well as preparations for the 21st session of the UNIDO General Conference.

On the sidelines of the participation, the Kingdom signed an agreement to host the 21st UNIDO General Conference, scheduled to be held in Riyadh from November 23 to 27, 2025. Additionally, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources organized a promotional event highlighting the Kingdom’s preparations for hosting the conference and showcasing its key programs to support industrial transformation and innovation.