The 9th World Investment Forum (WIF) 2026 commenced on October 25 at the Sheraton Hotel in Doha, Qatar, with the presence of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani. The forum, held in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is bringing together over 5,000 participants from around the world, including government officials, business leaders, international organization heads, entrepreneurs, academics, and experts, with a total of 406 scheduled speakers. The event’s theme, “Investing in the Future,” focuses on navigating the evolving global economic landscape.
In his opening remarks, HE Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, emphasized Qatar’s commitment to openness, flexibility, and partnership as strategic pillars in adapting to the ongoing transformation of the global economy. He highlighted Qatar’s long-term investments in human capital, infrastructure, institutions, technology, and innovation as well as its efforts to foster mutually beneficial international partnerships.
Dr Al-Sayed pointed to several key factors reshaping trade and investment, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, rapid advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, and the global shift towards sustainable economic models. He described trade and investment as intertwined forces driving economic growth and diversification. Qatar’s National Strategy for External Trade aims to bolster supply chain security and sustainability, enhance import resilience, open new markets, diversify partnerships, and deepen integration with the global economy.
Pedro Manuel Moreno, acting secretary-general of UNCTAD, described the current period as a new “age of investment” defined by strategic considerations. He noted that the previous model, where capital followed cost efficiencies and countries competed primarily on price, has given way to a landscape where governments actively shape markets through subsidies, investment screening, and trade policies. Critical sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy, and critical minerals now attract nearly half of all new greenfield investments globally, a sharp rise from one-sixth five years ago.
“Markets are no longer discovered; they are designed,” Moreno said, stressing the increasing role of state strategy in investment decisions and industry development.
Delivering a message on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, a representative underscored the forum’s theme as an affirmation of confidence in building a better future amid widespread global challenges. Guterres highlighted investment as a key indicator of optimism and resolve to improve prospects for tomorrow.
The World Investment Forum continues throughout the week, providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation on global investment trends and policies aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth.