Date: 28 April 2025 

Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m. (Manila time, UTC+08:00) 

Industries have a pivotal role in breaking the middle-income trap, not only by driving local value addition and job creation, but also by creating new economic opportunities shifting away from unsustainable patterns of resource use and pollution.  

Cleaner, more efficient, and more circular industrial models can unlock new value chains, foster competitiveness, and build long-term resilience. Middle-income countries are increasingly at the frontlines of the green and circular transition, but much more needs to be done in the diverse regions hosting the more than 100 MICs globally.  

UNIDO, as the UN’s lead agency advancing sustainable economic and industrial development, is a co-organizer of the High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries, hosted by the Government of the Philippines from 28-29 April in Manila.  

The conference will discuss solutions to MICs’ structural challenges, including the "middle-income trap”. This includes supporting productive capacity development and sustainable industrialization, notably through modern industrial policies that also address global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and socioeconomic disparities.  

Event Overview  

As co-organizer of the High-Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries, UNIDO will host a dedicated side event to drive actionable solutions for sustainable industrialization. The session will focus on empowering industries to lead the green transition through innovation, partnerships, and policy frameworks tailored to MICs’ unique challenges. 

Key Themes 

1. Climate Action Through Industry
2. Innovation for Green Growth
3. Partnerships and Financing 

Expected Outcomes 

• Policy Insights: Recommendations for integrating climate action into national industrial strategies, emphasizing just transitions and job creation.
• Collaboration Frameworks: Proposals for South-South cooperation and public-private partnerships to scale green technologies.
• Action Plan Contributions: Direct inputs to the MICs 2025–2030 Strategic Plan of Action, ensuring industry-specific solutions are prioritized. 

Watch the live recordings here