Li Yong, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), addresses the opening ceremony of the 18th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on Nov. 3, 2019. The 18th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) opened here on Sunday. The conference will look into the key role of inclusive and sustainable industrial development to achieve the Agenda 2030, in particular in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Photo: Xinhua

 The 18th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) opened on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The conference will look into the key role of inclusive and sustainable industrial development to achieve the Agenda 2030, in particular in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

UNIDO Director General Li Yong said in his opening statement that "by the year 2030, we want industries to be inclusive and sustainable, driving a low-carbon and climate-smart economy that provides decent jobs, inclusive growth, shared prosperity and that empowers all people in all countries."

He added "the challenges our world is confronting require confidence and strong determination. Many of the required solutions lie in stronger cooperation between governments, and even stronger cooperation with the private sector."

UAE Minister of Energy Suhail Mohammed Faraj Al Mazroui said "it's a testament to the UAE's efforts to advance the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and to support the spread of innovation and inclusive sustainable development on a global level."

The five-day event will showcase successful partnerships and technical cooperation achievements with a focus on most relevant topics for member states.

In a video statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said "UNIDO plays a unique role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Through your partnerships with governments and the private sector, you can help drive job creation, technology transfer and investments. "

The General Conference is UNIDO's supreme policymaking organ where all member states meet to determine guiding principles and policies as well as to approve the budget and work program.

Following sessions in Thailand in 1987, Cameroon in 1993, and Peru in 2013, this is the fourth time that the UNIDO General Conference takes place away from the organization's headquarters in Vienna, Austria.