Tunisia Participates in the 21st Session of the UNIDO General Conference
The Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Abdelhafidh, led the Tunisian delegation participating in the 21st session of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) General Conference, held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, from November 23 to 27, 2025. The conference was attended by representatives of governments and member states, according to a statement from the department.
Key Highlights of the Conference
- Abdelhafidh delivered a speech emphasizing Tunisia's firm willingness to continue cooperation to achieve the organization's objectives and strengthen its role in supporting industrial development.
- He highlighted the importance of industry in the economic and social system, noting the rapid transformations the world is experiencing, particularly in terms of digital transition and the growing trend towards artificial intelligence and the green economy.
- The minister recalled the initiative of the President of the Republic, Kaïs Saïed, to dedicate the year 2025 to strengthening multilateral action, reflecting Tunisia's firm conviction in the role of this international perspective as a fundamental pillar for addressing complex global challenges.
High-Level Meetings
In addition to participating in the conference, Abdelhafidh held several meetings with UN officials and representatives of friendly countries to discuss bilateral cooperation programs. These meetings included:
- A meeting with the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-khorayef, to congratulate him on his presidency of the current session and to emphasize the solidity and depth of Tunisian-Saudi relations.
- A meeting with the Director-General of UNIDO, Gerd Muller, to discuss prospects for strengthening cooperation between Tunisia and the UN and expanding its fields in the industrial sector.
- A meeting with the Senegalese Minister of Industry and Trade, Serigne Gueye Diop, to review economic relations between the two countries and their desire to strengthen and consolidate them, particularly in the context of South-South cooperation.
Tunisia's Commitment to International Cooperation
Abdelhafidh reiterated Tunisia's firm commitment to standing alongside the Palestinian people in their struggle to establish their independent state on their entire territory, while calling for concrete measures to end their unacceptable suffering, as true economic stability cannot be achieved without justice, security, and peace.
Promotion of Tunisian Industry
The minister also presided over the opening of the Tunisian pavilion of the Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation (APIA), which was organized on the sidelines of the session. The pavilion was dedicated to presenting Tunisia's experience in the industrial sector and highlighting the country's differential advantages as an investment destination in this field.
