A decisive turning point: Setting global industry on a fairer, greener path towards economic growth

This article is published in association with United Nations.

The world moved closer to ensuring that industrial development is a net positive for people and the planet on Thursday, with the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration on the closing day of the Global Industry Summit, a week-long UN event in the Saudi capital. 

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. 

In 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.” 

Investing in the Global South 

UN News

Manuel Mattiat, UNIDO’s Chief of Cabinet

Mr. 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).

With 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. 

“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.” 

UN News/Khaled Mohamed

Putting people first  

On 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.  

By 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.  

The 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.