Riyadh: Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan led a four-member Bangladesh delegation to the 11th Ministerial Conference of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The conference, organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and hosted by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, took place on 22 November 2025.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the conference was held under the theme 'Driving inclusive industrialization in LDCs: Investment, Innovation and Partnerships.' It featured two high-level thematic panels focusing on mobilizing investment and financing for sustainable industrial development, as well as the formulation of transformative industrial policies to achieve irreversible graduation from LDC status. The event was attended by ministers from LDCs, ambassadors, Permanent Representatives, and representatives from the private sector.
Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan participated as one of the panelists in the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue titled 'Shaping LDCs Industrialization Agenda: Ministerial Dialogue on Investment, Innovation and Partnership.' During his address, he shared Bangladesh's journey towards graduating from the LDC category and emphasized the 'three zeros' prioritized by the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Professor Muhammad Yunus: zero carbon emission, zero unemployment, and zero poverty.
Khan also highlighted Bangladesh's shift towards smart manufacturing and value chain integration, aligning with the National Industrial Policy 2022. He stressed the importance of investment, innovation, and partnerships as essential drivers for sustainable industrialization and inclusive growth for LDCs. Furthermore, he underscored the critical role of SMEs as the backbone of industrial development and a strategic priority for sustainable development in LDCs.
In addition to his participation as a panelist, Adilur Rahman Khan moderated an informal session on the Ministerial Declaration for LDC Member States as Vice Chairman. The Ministerial Declaration, an outcome document of the conference, is set to be adopted during the 21st Session of the UNIDO General Conference scheduled for 23-27 November 2025 in Riyadh.
The conference provided a significant platform for the Industries Adviser to engage with counterparts from LDCs, developed countries, and partners on critical issues, and to contribute directly to the discussions in Riyadh. Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to UNIDO in Vienna, Toufique Hasan, also attended the event as part of the delegation.