RIYADH: Saudi Arabia hosted a conference aimed at encouraging the employment of more women in the industrial sector. As part of its efforts to empower women in industry, the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) staged the event under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef. Titled “Women in Industry 2020,” the Riyadh conference concluded with several recommendations designed to achieve comprehensive and sustainable economic development. One of the main outcomes agreed on by delegates was the need to urge industrial enterprises to provide appropriate workplace environments for women and to promote the economic contribution of women to the sector, in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan. Al-Khorayef praised the Saudi leadership for taking the necessary steps toward ensuring economic diversification away from dependence on oil. MODON officials called on partners in the public and private sectors to work to empower women in the labor market and thanked the conference’s sponsors including the Saudi Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) and a number of national companies.