I congratulate the Government of the United Arab Emirates and UNIDO for convening – in collaboration with the World Economic Forum – the world’s first-ever Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit in Abu Dhabi.

I welcome this innovative new focus on shaping the future of manufacturing.

Responsible business practices benefit individuals and society.

We now have the Sustainable Development Goals, our map to a new future.

Inclusive and sustainable industrialization will help get us there while advancing us on the low-carbon path that our world needs.

Success depends on all partners. That is why I welcome the participation of governments, industry and civil society converging for global development.

I count on you to promote a transformational approach towards manufacturing that will benefit our world for generations to come.

Thank you.