Egypt is taking part in the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), held in Riyadh from November 23 to 27, 2025, with Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, representing the country.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Local Development, Awad emphasized that Egypt’s participation comes at a moment of “rapidly advancing and deeply rooted” relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, noting that cooperation with UNIDO has become a growing priority for the Egyptian government.
UNIDO Projects in Egypt Total Over $61 Million
Awad highlighted the expanding portfolio of UNIDO’s work in Egypt, revealing that the organization is currently implementing 21 projects worth more than $61 million across several key domains tied to sustainable and industrial development.
These projects span:
- Strengthening competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises
- Integration of local businesses into global supply chains
- Improving access to affordable financing
- Supporting the adoption of new industrial technologies
- Encouraging the use of green hydrogen
- Promoting circular economy practices
- Addressing challenges linked to plastic waste
- Initiatives that empower women in the industrial sector
Awad underscored that industrial development remains a national priority, positioning the sector as a “key driver of Egypt’s sustainable development goals” under Egypt Vision 2030.
Strengthened Regional Partnership
The minister noted that Egypt’s participation at this year’s UNIDO General Conference reflects the country’s commitment to deepening international partnerships, particularly with Saudi Arabia, a nation she described as an increasingly vital development ally.
