The 9th World Investment Forum (WIF) is set to take place in Doha, Qatar, from October 25-27, 2026. The event, organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in partnership with the State of Qatar, will bring together leaders, ministers, and investors from over 160 countries. The forum's theme, "Investing in the Future," will focus on how investment and financing systems must adapt to geopolitical fragmentation, climate urgency, and rapid technological transformations.
The WIF is the primary United Nations platform dedicated to investment and development. This year's edition will examine the impact of geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and technological changes on global investment flows. According to UNCTAD, the discussions will cover various topics, including artificial intelligence, critical minerals, energy, infrastructure, sustainable finance, tourism, culture, and the opportunities presented by the space economy.
The forum will feature a range of stakeholders, including heads of state, ministers, CEOs, business leaders, sovereign wealth fund managers, and representatives of international organizations. The event aims to provide a platform for dialogue between public officials and private actors to better direct investment towards development goals. This is particularly important in the context of rapidly changing technologies and the reorganization of supply chains.
The global investment landscape has shown signs of recovery, with foreign direct investment (FDI) increasing by 6% in 2025 to reach $1.6 trillion, according to UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2026. However, this growth was largely driven by developed economies, which saw an 11% increase, while developing economies experienced only a 2% rise. The report also noted that the recovery remains highly concentrated, with over 80% of global FDI going to the top 20 host economies.
The concentration of FDI is a concern, as a limited number of strategic sectors accounted for 44% of the global value of new investment projects in 2025, up from 16% in 2020. The WIF aims to address these issues and promote more inclusive and sustainable investment practices. By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, the forum hopes to facilitate discussions on how to better align investment with development objectives.
The World Investment Forum is an important event for countries looking to attract investment and promote sustainable development. For Tunisia, which has been working to revitalize its economy, the forum presents an opportunity to engage with international investors and discuss ways to mobilize funding for development projects. The country's experience with investment and development will likely be a topic of discussion at the forum.
As the world grapples with the challenges of sustainable development, the World Investment Forum provides a critical platform for stakeholders to come together and discuss solutions. With over 160 countries in attendance, the event is expected to generate significant interest and momentum around investing in the future. The forum's outcomes will likely have a lasting impact on global investment trends and practices.
Key points
- The 9th World Investment Forum will take place in Doha, Qatar, from October 25-27, 2026.
- The forum will bring together leaders, ministers, and investors from over 160 countries to discuss investing in the future.
- The event aims to promote more inclusive and sustainable investment practices, with a focus on aligning investment with development objectives.
