Infographic about LDCMC11
Saudi Arabia is set to host the 11th Ministerial Conference of the Least Developed Countries (LDCMC11) on November 22, 2025. This significant event will focus on the theme “Advancing Inclusive Industrialization: Investment, Innovation, and Partnerships in the Least Developed Countries.” Organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the conference will serve as a platform to discuss industrial development challenges and opportunities in the world’s least developed nations.
The conference aims to reinforce the international community’s commitment to supporting the 44 countries categorized as least developed, which are primarily located in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. Key objectives include facilitating greater access to financing, promoting knowledge and technology exchange, and enhancing trade. The discussions will also focus on aiding these nations in effectively integrating into regional and global value chains.
Key Themes and Discussions
The agenda will center on accelerating inclusive industrialization through three main pillars: investment and financing, innovation, and strategic partnerships. Participants will explore innovative financial mechanisms designed to mobilize both local and international capital, essential for sustainable industrial growth in LDCs. Additionally, the role of development finance institutions and multilateral banks will be highlighted as vital components in this process.
Another critical aspect of the conference will be the dialogue on Transformative Industrial Policies aimed at ensuring irreversible graduation from the least developed status. Participants will examine the design and implementation of forward-looking industrial policies that foster diversification, value addition, and technological upgrades within these nations.
The event will commence with a high-level session titled “Uniting for Progress by Innovation.” This will be followed by a ministerial dialogue addressing how to create enabling environments that attract sustainable investments, nurture innovation ecosystems, and build inclusive industrial capabilities. Emphasis will be placed on aligning national priorities with global opportunities, highlighting the importance of South-South cooperation, regional integration, and public-private partnerships.
Collaboration and Future Prospects
The program will include interactive sessions that bring together representatives from the private sector, governments, and development partners. Contributions from experts and policymakers are expected to foster effective partnerships, support technology transfer, and drive sustainable industrial investment in the most vulnerable countries.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to industrial development will further be underscored by its role as the host for the 21st UNIDO General Conference, scheduled for November 23 to 27, 2025, in Riyadh. This event will gather representatives from 173 member states, along with leaders from government, the private sector, and international organizations. It will reinforce the Kingdom’s critical role as a global partner in advancing industrial development initiatives aimed at uplifting the least developed nations.
As preparations for LDCMC11 continue, the focus remains on fostering a collaborative atmosphere that strives for sustainable progress and innovation in the industrial sector of the least developed countries.
