27 NOVEMBER 2025, VIENNA – The Philippines demonstrated its leadership in promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development during the 21st session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development (UNIDO) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 23-27 November 2025.  Together with Mexico and Armenia, it led the adoption of a resolution on circular economy, which will help UNIDO create a framework for accelerating its member states’ transition towards a circular and sustainable industrial future.

The Philippines likewise called for fairness, efficiency, and transparency in UNIDO’s operations. Delivering the national statement as head of the delegation, Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh called on UNIDO to exert more efforts to achieve gender parity, especially at senior management levels, and ensure fair and equitable geographical representation particularly from member states. He also stressed the importance of robust oversight, encouraging the full implementation of evaluation and audit recommendations, and the objective handling of allegations of mismanagement.  

Ambassador Balatbat also highlighted the Philippines’ cooperation with UNIDO through projects that were implemented under the Country Programme Framework (CPF) 2018-2024. He expressed appreciation for UNIDO’s partnership in addressing the needs of middle-income countries (MICs), referencing the successful High-Level Conference on MICs in Manila early this year, and stressed the Philippines’ commitment to constructive engagement as a newly elected member of the Organization’s Programme and Budget Committee.

Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) President & Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang participated as a panelist in a side event titled, “Bridge for Cities: Fostering Smart and Inclusive Cities in the Asia-Pacific Region.”  He showcased BCDA’s experience and best practices in developing the smart and modern Bonifacio Global City and the lessons learned therefrom so that the next city being developed in Clark, Pampanga would be more green and inclusive of people from different social status.  END.