Saudi Arabia's Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, confirmed the country's support for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) during the agency's General Conference in Vienna.
The commitment underscores Saudi Arabia's recognition of UNIDO's key role in driving industrial development and complements regional goals to enhance industrial growth, strengthen global supply chains, and boost manufacturing and logistics partnerships.
Alkhorayef showcased Saudi Arabia's mining industry progress, citing significant natural resource finds worth an estimated $1.35 trillion, along with a new mining investment framework to foster sector growth.
The nation, through its work with UNIDO, aims to bolster cooperation on sustainable energy, industry decarbonization, and circular economies, consistent with Vision 2030 and related strategies.
Domestic efforts also focus on developing talent through the Crown Prince's Human Capability Development Program, part of Vision 2030, and establishing a Research and Development and Innovation Authority to spur innovation and industrial advancement.
The minister pointed out that women's empowerment reforms in Saudi Arabia have led to notable advancements, with women forming 34 percent of the workforce and their industrial sector involvement increasing by 93 percent in three years.