Riyadh: The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply of Jordan participated in the 21st session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which was held in Riyadh. The Jordanian delegation was led by Dr. Haitham Abu Foul, Jordanian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and included Rami Hammad, Director of the ministry's Industrial Development Directorate, and Dr. Issa Dhamour, Economic Advisor at the Jordanian Embassy.
According to Jordan News Agency, the conference was attended by representatives from 173 countries and addressed global challenges such as climate change, supply chains, industrial innovation, women's empowerment, the role of youth, and the commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The event emphasized the importance of inclusive and sustainable industrialization in supporting economic growth.
The discussions at the conference covered a range of issues, including the future of manufacturing, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, clean energy, the circular economy, sustainable agriculture, supply chains, trade, innovative financing, and the empowerment of women and youth. Dialogue sessions also explored investment and partnerships, focusing on artificial intelligence as a catalyst for industrial change and the role of youth in leading sustainable industrial transformation.
During the conference, UNIDO announced a new vision aimed at strengthening equitable supply chains, combating hunger through innovation, taking action to address climate change, and launching an international center for sustainable manufacturing. UNIDO Director-General Gerd Mller also highlighted concerns over donor countries' plans to cut budgets for UN organizations, urging the G20 to address this issue.