In a historic step reflecting the leading role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the global economic landscape, His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, President of the 21st session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Mr. Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, announced the Kingdom’s welcome and official adoption by member states of April 21 of each year as “International Day of Women in Industry.”.
A global achievement from the heart of Riyadh
This important announcement came during the 21st General Conference of the Organization, which was hosted by the Saudi capital, Riyadh, under the slogan “Global Manufacturing Summit” from November 23 to 27, 2025. The conference witnessed a wide international presence that included ministers, decision-makers and leaders of the industrial sector, which confirms Riyadh’s position as a pivotal center for global economic decision-making.
This decision is an international precedent, as it is the first time a specific date has been designated on the UN agenda to celebrate women’s contributions to the industrial sector, reflecting a shift in the global outlook towards the inclusiveness of industrial development.
Dimensions of the decision and its strategic importance
This reliance is not limited to the ceremonial aspect alone, but carries profound strategic implications at the local, regional and international levels:
- At the international level, the resolution aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 9 on industry and innovation, and Goal 5 on gender equality. Through this day, UNIDO seeks to highlight and work towards bridging the gender gap in technical and industrial jobs.
- On the economic front: Economic studies indicate that effectively integrating women into industrial value chains fosters innovation and increases a country's GDP. This day serves as an annual platform to review policies that incentivize women's participation in factories and research and development centers.
Saudi Vision and Empowering Women in Industry
Minister Al-Khorayef affirmed that this accreditation is fully aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places women's empowerment at the heart of its reform programs. In recent years, the Kingdom has witnessed significant strides in women's participation in the labor market, particularly in non-traditional sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and advanced technologies.
The Kingdom is working to enhance the role of women not only as a workforce, but also as leaders in the fields of innovation and industrial entrepreneurship, making the adoption of this day a culmination of Saudi efforts in this area.
The future of industry: inclusiveness and innovation
UNIDO explained that designating April 21st as World Women's Day aims to provide a global institutional framework for sharing experiences and best practices. This day will be an annual opportunity for governments and the private sector to assess progress made in women's empowerment and to support initiatives that ensure their access to resources and opportunities in the areas of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The participating delegations concluded by affirming that building flexible and sustainable industrial systems requires the full investment of all human resources, and that women represent a fundamental pillar in building an industrial future based on knowledge and competitiveness.
