“First, we need to end the war. Then, we have to restart the factories,” says Basher Abdullah, advisor to Sudan’s Minister of Industry and Trade.
Sudan’s economic development has been heavily obstructed by conflict, similar to many impoverished nations. Amidst a harsh civil war, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) continues to provide economic development support and recovery solutions.
First, we need to end the war. Then, we have to restart the factories.
The conflict feels distant from the King Abdul Aziz Conference Centre in Riyadh, where government ministers gathered for a group photo during the Eleventh Ministerial Meeting of Least Developed Countries.
Ministers from Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean convened, each representing one of the world’s poorest, most vulnerable nations recognized by the UN as least developed countries (LDCs).
Family photo at the 11th LDC Ministerial Conference, Riyadh (Nov 2025)
‘Yes to global solidarity’
“We need a decisive change of direction,” said Gerd Müller, the Director-General of UNIDO, in his opening speech, stressing industrialization as “essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (the 17 global goals adopted by all UN Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development) and building resilience against crises.”
“We need to say yes to global solidarity, to multilateralism, to preventing the wealth gap from widening,” added Mr. Müller.
He mentioned 500 Nobel Laureates and economists urging the world’s leading economies (the G20, meeting in South Africa) to take action: these experts noted that between 2000 and 2024, the wealth of the richest one percent increased by 41 percent, while the poorest half gained only one percent.
Mr. Müller highlighted the vulnerability of LDCs to various economic shocks, from climate crises to trade tariffs and major cuts in foreign aid and development support from wealthier nations.
“The losses,” he warned, “will be devastating in sectors such as textile, leather, agribusiness, and equipment – all vital to livelihoods and local economies.”
Building resilience through industry
UNIDO’s mission is to help countries withstand these shocks and, through industrialization, become more resilient and enhance lives: In Bangladesh, UNIDO training programs have helped garment factories meet international standards, creating millions of jobs for women; in Nepal, young people are gaining coding and digital skills, reducing the digital divide.
In Sudan, the agency supports agribusiness, focusing on smallholders and entrepreneurs, and assists young people and women in accessing finance, preparing the private sector for peace and stability.
Two major outcomes were achieved: guidelines for expanding UNIDO support—centered on technology transfer and knowledge sharing—were agreed upon, and the ministers committed to modernizing industry, securing funding, and enhancing collaboration in line with the UN’s global goals.
The commitments made in Riyadh are a decisive step toward ensuring that millions in the world’s most vulnerable nations can thrive in a connected global economy.
Conference Outcomes
The Eleventh Ministerial Conference of the LDCs was organized by the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with the UN Office of the High Representative for LDCs, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS).
- Ministerial Declaration adopted – reaffirming commitment to inclusive industrialization and resilience.
- UNIDO Operational Strategy endorsed – roadmap for scaling up support to LDCs through 2031.
- Partnerships strengthened – new commitments for financing, capacity building, and technology transfer.
- Policy frameworks agreed – youth empowerment, gender equality, and climate adaptation highlighted as priorities.
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