Doha Welcomes World Investment Forum Back After 14 Years to Tackle Global Economic Challenges

The United Nations-led World Investment Forum is set to return to Doha from October 25 to 27, marking its first appearance in Qatar's capital in 14 years. The event is expected to draw over 5,000 participants, including political leaders, senior UN officials, business executives, and investors, to engage in critical discussions on artificial intelligence, sustainable finance, economic recovery, and the future trajectory of global investment.

This ninth iteration of the forum, organized by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in collaboration with Qatar, will convene at the Sheraton Convention Center. Under the overarching theme "Investing in the Future," the three-day gathering will feature more than 80 sessions and over 400 speakers. The forum's return to Doha comes at a time when global foreign direct investment has seen a modest rise of 6% to $1.6 trillion in 2025, following two years of decline. However, UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2026 highlights that over 80% of these investments were concentrated in just 20 economies, underscoring widening disparities in global investment and raising concerns about economic development.

Doha is poised to be a crucial meeting point for political and economic decision-makers. The forum anticipates the participation of four prime ministers, four deputy prime ministers, and nearly 50 ministers. Notable confirmed attendees include Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane, Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and Madagascar’s Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison.

The agenda will also feature prominent international figures such as World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais, and International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. A key focus will be on directing capital towards economies and industries in need. For the first time, a dedicated track will explore the role of artificial intelligence in global investment. Other topics on the agenda include investment in peace and post-conflict reconstruction, critical minerals, energy, climate finance, entrepreneurship, tourism, and the burgeoning space economy. Qatar Museums and Art Basel will also contribute to discussions on the economic potential of art and culture.

Doha previously hosted the World Investment Forum in 2012, an event that saw the introduction of UNCTAD’s Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development, a framework that has since influenced policymaking in over 150 countries. The 2023 forum was held in Abu Dhabi, with previous editions taking place in Accra, Xiamen, Geneva, and Nairobi. The forum's return to Doha signifies Qatar's growing importance in global investment dialogues, particularly amidst ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. UNCTAD has acknowledged Qatar's role as a key investment hub in the Gulf, fostering partnerships and cooperation. Plenary sessions will be accessible via livestream, and the complete program details are available on the official forum website.