#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #UNIDO #Bandar Alkhorayef

Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef Elected as President of the 21st UNIDO General Conference

In a momentous event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 25, 2025, His Excellency Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, has been officially elected as the President of the 21st UNIDO General Conference. This election underscores the Kingdom's increasing role in shaping the global industrial development agenda, showcasing Saudi Arabia's commitment to steering international collaborations in the industrial sector.

During the opening ceremony, members of the General Assembly extended their strong international support for Minister Alkhorayef, who was nominated by the outgoing president. The formal announcement was made with great enthusiasm as the outgoing president proclaimed, “I hereby propose His Excellency Minister Alkhorayef for election.” The delegates responded positively, leading to Alkhorayef's unanimous election by acclamation.

In accepting the presidency, Alkhorayef expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him. He highlighted the pivotal role of partnerships and innovation in steering the future of the industry. “I am deeply honored to serve as President of the 21st UNIDO General Conference. I take on this responsibility with the intent to enhance global industrial cooperation, promote inclusive and sustainable development, and ensure that our collective efforts yield tangible results for all member states,” he stated.

Under his leadership, the conference aims to achieve fruitful discussions among top leadership and address critical industrial challenges. Minister Alkhorayef's goal is to foster consensus on pressing topics including sustainable supply chains and AI governance in the industrial sector. This leadership role poses significant responsibilities, primarily overseeing high-level negotiations and ensuring the successful implementation of the Riyadh declaration's objectives.

As President, Alkhorayef will also facilitate the seamless transition of leadership at the next General Conference. His focus on continuity will be critical for maintaining the strategic agenda of UNIDO beyond the Riyadh conference. The anticipation surrounding his presidency is marked by expectations for improved cooperation among member states, particularly in areas that correspond with global industrial trends and innovations.

The significance of this event cannot be understated. With Saudi Arabia's ongoing transformation towards a more diversified economy, Minister Alkhorayef's presidency at this prestigious conference reflects the Kingdom's broader ambitions to not only enhance its own industrial capabilities but also to take an active role in global discussions on industrial development.

The conference will serve as a platform to further these objectives and explore new pathways for collaboration, setting a stage for future advancements in the industrial domain. Stakeholders from around the world now look towards this leadership as a beacon for steering cooperative efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development goals in industry.

For further information, please contact:
Ahmed Mansour
M +966 54 186 9849
E [email protected]

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This election is expected to enhance the visibility and influence of Saudi Arabia in the global arena, as it aims to foster industrial innovation and address the challenges facing the industry's future. The focus will be on aligning member states’ strategies with international standards and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation that can lead to a prosperous future for all.