Doha is all set to host the ninth World Investment Forum (WIF) from October 25 to 27, bringing the global investment community to Qatar for high-level discussions on how investment can drive sustainable development and resilience amid geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation and rapid technological change.Convened by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in partnership with the State of Qatar, the three-day forum will be held under the theme “Investing in the Future” and is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, business leaders, international financial institutions and investment authorities from around the world. The decision to hold the United Nations’ flagship investment forum in Qatar reflects the country’s growing role as an international investment hub and a platform connecting governments, capital and the private sector.The organisers said Doha’s position as an international transport hub, its open investment environment and its ability to provide a neutral platform for global dialogue were among the factors behind its selection as host.The forum will provide Qatar with an opportunity to showcase its investment ecosystem and highlight emerging opportunities in the country, while also placing Doha at the centre of discussions on the future direction of international investment.Under the “Investing in the Future” theme, WIF 2026 will seek to bring those responsible for investment policy together with those allocating capital.The programme will cover a wide range of areas, including artificial intelligence, critical minerals, energy, infrastructure, sustainable finance, tourism and culture, as well as emerging investment opportunities in the space economy.The programme will feature Global Leaders Plenaries, Ministerial Roundtables on investment and entrepreneurship, the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Dialogue, a high-level session on investment in the Gulf region and a global investment promotion conference showcasing investment opportunities from around the world.The organisers said the forum will also connect ministers and government representatives with sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and the private sector, with the objective of turning investment discussions into concrete partnerships and development opportunities.Artificial intelligence will also be a major theme, with discussions focusing on investment in AI infrastructure, the adoption of new applications and how developing economies can participate in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.Sustainable investment will form another major pillar, including discussions involving stock exchanges and companies on sustainability standards, corporate governance and preparations for sustainable listings.The Doha forum comes as Qatar continues to strengthen its position as an international investment destination.Data from UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2026, presented at the press conference, showed that Qatar ranked fourth among GCC countries in total FDI inflows in 2025, after the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman. On a per-capita basis, Qatar ranked among the top three in the region.Qatar also recorded a significant increase in FDI inflows between 2024 and 2025. The three sectors identified as driving FDI into Qatar were chemicals, energy and ICT, pointing to an investment profile that is gradually expanding beyond traditional energy-related activities.The forum will draw on Qatar’s wider investment ecosystem, with key national institutions including the Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar Financial Centre and Qatar Stock Exchange involved in preparations and discussions. The Qatar Investment Authority will be an important partner given its role as one of the world’s major sovereign investors and its extensive international investment activities.More than 80 percent of global FDI went to the 20 largest host economies, while investment in developing economies increased by only 2 percent.The concentration is particularly evident in strategic sectors.  The forum will also give particular attention to investment in the Gulf region, which has significantly increased its weight in global investment flows.The UAE led the GCC in total FDI inflows in 2025, followed by Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar.Around 20 ministers had already been confirmed for the forum at the time of the press conference, while heads of several international organisations are also expected to attend.  (ICE Doha)

Fonte notizia: QATAR TRIBUNE