The upcoming World Investment Forum 2023, organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is set to be a pivotal platform for mobilizing investments targeting critical areas such as climate action, clean energy, healthcare, and food security, among other development priorities.
With participation expected from heads of state, over 50 government ministers, more than 150 CEOs representing leading companies and stock exchanges, and a multitude of investment stakeholders ranging from sovereign wealth fund managers to international organization leaders, the forum will host over 130 events, co-organized with more than 80 partner organizations. The comprehensive program of events can be accessed in its entirety.
UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan stressed the urgent need for global investment stakeholders to take action and direct resources toward essential sectors in light of the multiple crises facing the world today. These investments are crucial to mitigating the impacts of these crises.
According to the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2023, a confluence of crises, including the war in Ukraine, surging food and energy prices, and mounting debt pressures, led to a significant 12% decline in global foreign direct investment in 2022.
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), highlighted UNCTAD’s potential to play a pivotal role in addressing and alleviating these interconnected global challenges. He noted the current complex economic landscape marked by inflation, geopolitical uncertainties, and climate change. Dr. Al Zeyoudi stressed the importance of innovation, investment, and determination in balancing prosperity and sustainability. He emphasized that the forum presents an ideal opportunity for the global investment community, in collaboration with policymakers and institutions, to rally and direct capital toward projects that can expedite environmentally responsible and socially beneficial development.
He underlined the UAE’s commitment to advocating for equitable, inclusive growth and its role in promoting trade as a driver of such growth. The UAE eagerly anticipates contributing to a solutions-focused forum capable of charting a positive new course for the world.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), outlined Abu Dhabi’s leadership in shaping the framework for climate finance. Abu Dhabi has unveiled a comprehensive regulatory framework for sustainable finance that rivals global standards. Al Zaabi emphasized that ADGM, as an international financial center in Abu Dhabi, is establishing stringent sustainability-focused requirements for products and services. This framework aims to guide capital toward projects that advance climate transition toward a net-zero future.
Al Zaabi added, “We eagerly await the participation of global leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and government representatives in the ‘Capital of Capital.’ We are confident that our collaboration will yield tangible outcomes, benefiting the global economy by fostering inclusive and advanced trade flow and creating new opportunities for business owners and investors.”
