The 21st General Conference of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) opens in Riyadh, and Gerd Müller is reappointed as the director general of the organization for a second term.
The move was supported unanimously by 173 UNIDO member states, marking the five-day Global Industry Summit 2025, which gathers international policymakers, industrial experts, and professionals.
The summit will be held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center from November 23-27 and is organized by UNIDO in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.
The German delegation had welcomed the results of the reappointment process as it said it was “honored by the confirmation of Müller’s second term as director general of UNIDO.”
It reported that “We appreciate the trust and support placed in our candidate by the Member States, which was also reflected in the endorsement by the European Union.”
The delegation of Honduras expressed its support, stating, “Honduras congratulates Mr. Muller upon his re-election, and expresses its acknowledgement for the efforts undertaken over the past four years.”
It was indicated that it would “continue to encourage him to sustain these efforts in support of inclusive and sustainable industrial development among all member states.”
Eventually, the Armenian delegation also supported its approval, citing that “Armenia extends its sincere congratulations to Director General Gerd Muller on his reappointment.”
It also emphasized that the “Director General Muller’s unwavering commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable industrial development remains vital to supporting member states in achieving the sustainable development goals.”
Other member states also expressed their wishes at the opening session, showing broad support for Müller’s leadership.
The first person to take the role in 2021, Muller, had previously been the federal minister of economic cooperation and development in Germany.
During his time at UNIDO, he has been known for his efforts to enhance industrial relationships, promote green innovations, and increase development prospects in emerging economies.
