Industrialization is reshaping the global landscape, offering pathways to improved livelihoods and employment, particularly in low-income nations. However, for this transformation to be truly inclusive and environmentally sound, industrial growth must align with sustainability goals, cleaner production methods, and social equity. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is working to ensure this alignment. “We understand the complexities involved, but we’re here to provide actionable answers,” said Manuel Mattiat, UNIDO’s Chief of Cabinet, during the closing of the Global Industry Summit. The event, held in Riyadh, focused on advancing industrial development in the Global South, emphasizing youth entrepreneurship and gender equality in business leadership. At a time when multilateral institutions face heightened scrutiny, the summit demonstrated the UN’s capacity to connect investors, governments, and communities with practical strategies to reduce poverty. “Our mission is to create connections,” Mattiat explained. “There are nations with capital and technology ready to invest, but they need reliable channels. Our role is to open those doors for the world’s least developed economies.” A key outcome was the adoption of The Riyadh Declaration by UNIDO member states from both developed and developing countries. The agreement promotes stronger collaboration among governments, private enterprises, and civil society to ensure industrial progress supports greener economies and fair access to opportunities. By prioritizing youth and women, the framework aims to expand skills training and job access, while also encouraging innovation and digital integration so that emerging economies can compete globally. Observers view the declaration as a pivotal moment in shaping future industrial policy, offering a structured approach for mobilizing resources and delivering measurable improvements to communities worldwide.
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A decisive turning point: Setting global industry on a fairer, greener path towards economic growth
The world is inexorably becoming industrialised, raising the prospects of better jobs and livelihoods for many of the world’s poorest. But, in order to truly benefit the global population and the planet as a whole, international trade and industry must go hand in hand with healthier communities, lower emissions and cleaner air. n nIn the past, this has not always been the case, but the UN Industrial Organization UNIDO) is committed to making it happen. “We know all about the challenges and the problems, but we are here to offer the solutions,” says Manuel Mattiat, the UNIDO Chief of Cabinet. “Anything is possible with the knowledge that we have, the technologies that are available, and the money that is out there.” n nInvesting in the Global South n nMr. Mattiat spoke to UN News on the last day of UNIDO’s Global Industry Summit, which covered a wide range of issues connected to the industrial development of the Global South, from youth entrepreneurship to the empowerment of women business leaders (full UN News coverage here). n nWith the UN under unprecedented scrutiny, the Riyadh conference is showcasing the expertise and knowledge that the world’s pre-eminent multilateral organisation has to offer both investors and business, as well as a raft of concrete solutions aimed at lifting the most vulnerable people in the world out of poverty. n n“We are here to build bridges,” explains Mr. Mattiat. There are many developed, industrialised countries, rich in terms of their resources and development, that are willing to invest, but they haven’t quite found the right entry points. This is exactly the purpose of us being here in Riyadh, to mobilise investments for the least developed countries.” n nPutting people first n nOn Thursday, the representatives of UNIDO’s Member States, which span the developed and developing world, adopted The Riyadh Declaration, which calls for stronger cooperation between governments, businesses and civil society to ensure that industrialisation leads to greener economies, fair opportunities, and improved livelihoods. n nBy focusing on young people and women, the Declaration seeks to expand access to skills and employment, and highlights the importance of innovation and digital transformation, ensuring that developing countries can benefit from new technologies and compete effectively in global markets. n nThe adoption of the Declaration is being seen as a turning point in global industrial policy, providing a framework for governments and international partners to mobilise resources and deliver tangible benefits to communities worldwide.