#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #UNIDO #Bandar Alkhorayef

Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef Appointed President of UNIDO

On November 24, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the 21st UNIDO General Conference held in Riyadh, His Excellency Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef was officially elected as the President of the session. This pivotal appointment underscores Saudi Arabia's growing influence in steering the agenda for global industrial development.

The confirmation of his presidency occurred with unanimous backing from the conference delegates, reflecting strong international consensus on his leadership capabilities. The outgoing president formally recognized Alkhorayef's appointment, expressing, "I hereby put forward His Excellency Bandar Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is my pleasure to declare His Excellency Minister Alkhorayef elected by affirmation.”

In accepting this significant role, Minister Alkhorayef stressed the importance of collaboration and innovation in the future of industry. He stated, “I am deeply honored by the confidence placed in me to serve as President. I accept this responsibility with a firm commitment to strengthening global industrial cooperation, promoting inclusive and sustainable development, and ensuring that our efforts produce tangible results for all member states.” His vision aims at building momentum, supporting prosperity, and creating opportunities across regions through industrial progress.

As president, Alkhorayef's responsibilities include leading high-level negotiations to ensure successful outcomes at GC21, including translating the objectives of the Riyadh Declaration into comprehensive action plans. This entails constructing consensus around crucial issues such as sustainable supply chains and the governance of artificial intelligence in the industrial sector. He will oversee the smooth transition of the presidency at the next General Conference, which is vital for ensuring the continuity of UNIDO's strategic initiatives beyond Riyadh.

His appointment is particularly significant considering the Kingdom's ambitious vision for industrial transformation, which aligns with global trends and the increasing interconnectedness of various sectors. The Saudi government has been actively promoting policies that prioritize technology and sustainability, aiming to position the nation as a leading player in the global industrial landscape.

Looking ahead, Alkhorayef's leadership at the UNIDO General Conference is poised to foster partnerships that drive innovation, enhance industrial capacities, and address the pressing challenges faced by member states. His strategic direction will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable industrial future for all.

This historic appointment reflects not only the trust placed in Alkhorayef but also the broader ambitions of Saudi Arabia as it seeks to have a profound impact on international industrial cooperation. As the world turns its focus on Riyadh and the outcomes of this Conference, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Alkhorayef's vision unfolds on the global stage.