Industrial Development: Circular Economy and Green Industry Week

The "Circular Economy and Green Industry Week 2026" Forum, organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), was held on Monday afternoon at the Vienna International Centre in Vienna, Austria.

Union Minister for Industry and MSME Development Dr Charlie Than attended the forum virtually. First, the Director General of UNIDO, along with ministers, deputy ministers, and high-ranking officials from Austria, Suriname, Armenia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Ghana, delivered remarks.

They discussed UNIDO's implementation of activities, reforms in the circular economy system, funding and financial support matters, the development of women's leadership roles, and strengthening cooperation between member states and partner countries.

The forum was held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Industry: Circular, Cleaner, Competitive”. It was attended by ministers, deputy ministers, industrial and environmental policy-makers from various countries, international development banks and investors, private industrial entrepreneurs, representatives from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, industrial technology experts, researchers, and non-governmental organizations.

During the forum, detailed discussions were held on private sector engagement, eco-friendly chemical innovations, and supply chain processes across manufacturing sectors such as textiles, electronics, construction, and plastics.

Other agenda items included sharing the host country Austria's industrial policies and technical expertise, fostering inter-agency coordination among UN organizations for coherent policies, and reaching consensus on future action plans. The forum is scheduled to take place till November 4.