Bangladesh Joins UNIDO’s 11th LDC Ministerial Conference in Riyadh

Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan led a four-member Bangladesh delegation to the 11th Ministerial Conference of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and hosted by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 22 November 2025 in Riyadh.

This year’s conference, held under the theme “Driving Inclusive Industrialization in LDCs: Investment, Innovation and Partnerships,” featured two high-level thematic panels focused on mobilizing investment for sustainable industrial development and formulating transformative industrial policies to ensure irreversible graduation from LDC status.

The conference brought together Ministers from LDCs, Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives, and key private sector partners.

As a panelist in the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue titled “Shaping LDCs’ Industrialization Agenda: Ministerial Dialogue on Investment, Innovation and Partnership,” the Hon’ble Industry Advisor shared Bangladesh’s progress toward LDC graduation. He highlighted the “three zeros” — zero carbon emission, zero unemployment, and zero poverty — prioritized by the Hon’ble Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Prof. Muhammad Yunus.

He underscored Bangladesh’s shift toward smart manufacturing and deeper value chain integration under the National Industrial Policy 2022. 

He emphasized that investment, innovation, and partnerships remain essential drivers for sustainable industrialization and inclusive growth across LDCs. 

The vital role of SMEs as the backbone of industrial development and a strategic pillar for sustainable progress was also highlighted.

As Vice Chairman, the Advisor moderated the informal session on the Ministerial Declaration for LDC Member States. 

The Declaration, serving as the key outcome document of the conference, is set to be adopted during the 21st Session of UNIDO’s General Conference from 23–27 November 2025 in Riyadh.

The conference provided an important platform for the Industry Advisor to engage with counterparts from LDCs, developed countries, and development partners on critical industrial issues. 

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to UNIDO in Vienna, Mr. Toufique Hasan, also attended the event as part of the delegation.