Seventeenth session of the General Conference (27 November to 1 December 2017, in Vienna, Austria)

Now, more than ever, inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) is central to global development and is playing an important role in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This is reflected most prominently in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, but also in the targets underpinning the other 16 SDGs. 

UNIDO recognizes that partnerships are essential for achieving ISID and meeting the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda. This is why the 17th Session of the General Conference, took place from 27 November to 1 December in Vienna, Austria, was themed “Partnering for impact — achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”.

The event highlighted UNIDO’s innovative initiatives, achievements and partnerships in promoting its ISID mandate for the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda. In light of previous successful experiences with the ISID Forum and the Donor Meeting, both of these events had been incorporated into the GC plenary. Interactive discussions explored such issues as gender, circular economy and industry 4.0. Furthermore, the Organization’s continued emphasis on Africa turned a spotlight on UNIDO’s leading role in the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA III).

The event  offered a fully immersive experience for participants, including innovative formats for the events and integrated exhibition and networking spaces. This mix provided a stimulating basis for high-level, captivating debates, identifying issues and trends within the development agenda, and exploring innovative approaches and solutions, as well as underlining the fundamental role of industry for promoting growth and sustainability.

Hundreds of participants gathered for the event, including Heads of State and Government, ministers and other high-level government officials from around the world, as well as senior representatives of other United Nations organizations, and prominent leaders from the private sector, civil society and academia.

Watch the wrap-up video of the GC's first day of activities.

Watch the wrap-up video of the GC's second day of activities.

Watch the wrap-up video of the GC's third day of activities.