UNIDO Riyadh Conference Highlights Global Youth and Launches Industrial Skills Framework

The 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in Riyadh focused its fourth day on global youth, industrial innovation, and future-oriented skills. The program included a youth parliament and concluded with a high-level session titled Igniting the Future: Supporting Global Youth in Industry.

During the session, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef delivered a keynote address aligned with the global launch of the UNIDO Youth Framework. He outlined the Kingdom’s experience under Vision 2030, which has concentrated on developing human capital, advancing skills training, and expanding youth participation in advanced industrial fields.

Youth delegates and international participants emphasized the need for stronger involvement in policymaking, greater investment in training opportunities, and the importance of utilizing the creativity and adaptability of young people to enhance industrial competitiveness. The launch of the UNIDO Youth Framework underscored the goal of converting its four pillars into practical initiatives. These pillars include employability and skills development, entrepreneurship and industrial innovation, decent work and quality employment, and youth participation in policy and industrial governance.

The Kingdom was presented as an example of youth-focused industrial development through its investments in AI education and technical training institutions.

The day concluded with agreement that empowering youth remains essential for strengthening economic resilience, advancing innovation, and supporting long-term development.