Saudi Arabia is set to host the 11th Ministerial Conference of the Least Developed Countries (LDCMC11) on November 22, 2025, in Riyadh. The theme for this year’s conference is “Advancing Inclusive Industrialization: Investment, Innovation, and Partnerships in the Least Developed Countries.” This significant event is organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. It serves as a precursor to UNIDO’s 21st General Conference, which will also take place in Riyadh from November 23 to 27, 2025.
The LDCMC11 conference aims to create a vital global platform focused on industrial development in the world’s least developed countries, which number 44 across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. The objectives of the conference include enhancing access to financing, fostering knowledge exchange, promoting trade, and helping these nations integrate into regional and global value chains more effectively.
Key Focus Areas for Development
Discussions at the conference will center on accelerating inclusive industrialization through three primary pillars: investment and financing, innovation, and strategic partnerships. Participants will explore innovative financial mechanisms designed to attract both local and international capital to support sustainable industrial growth in LDCs. The conference will also highlight the essential roles played by development finance institutions and multilateral banks in this effort.
Additionally, the agenda features a dialogue on Transformative Industrial Policies aimed at achieving irreversible graduation for these nations. This will involve examining the design and implementation of forward-looking industrial policies that promote diversification, value addition, and technological advancement.
The event will kick off with a high-level session titled “Uniting for Progress by Innovation.” This will be followed by a High-level Ministerial dialogue focused on creating environments conducive to attracting sustainable investments. The discussions will address how to nurture innovation ecosystems and build inclusive industrial capabilities, while also emphasizing the importance of South-South cooperation, regional integration, and public-private partnerships.
Building Effective Partnerships
Interactive sessions will encourage collaboration between the private sector, governments, and development partners. Contributions from experts and policymakers are expected to foster effective partnerships, support technology transfer, and promote sustainable industrial investment in the most vulnerable countries.
Saudi Arabia’s role as a host for the 21st UNIDO General Conference further underscores its commitment to advancing industrial development on a global scale. The conference will unite representatives from 173 member states, alongside prominent leaders from governments, the private sector, and international organizations. This gathering aims to reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a key global partner in promoting sustainable industrial growth.
The LDCMC11 presents an important opportunity for the international community to renew its commitment to the development of the world’s least developed countries, setting a course for a more inclusive and sustainable future.