World Investment Forum 2023: Opening of the Investment Village

It is my pleasure to be with you today and open the Investment Village of the UNCTAD World Investment Forum in the vibrant and dynamic city of Abu Dhabi.

Today, we live in a pivotal moment in history – a moment where the power of investment is much needed in our quest for global progress and development.

The importance of investment for development cannot be overstated.

Investment has always been a catalyst for change, an engine of growth, a driver of innovation, and an enabler of prosperity. It is, without a doubt, one of the strongest means we have to achieve the world we envision in the Sustainable Development Goals.

This Investment Village is a place where stakeholders can explore and exchange ideas, and forge partnerships aimed at unlocking the full potential of investment for sustainable development.

It is a meeting place to harness the investment potential that exists today across the world.

This year, more than 60 countries are represented in the Village – a record number of this Forum. It is truly global with countries from every region of the world: Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, Latin America and Oceania.

The Investment Village enables countries to showcase their investment opportunities and their investment climate, and for visitors to explore business opportunities and make contacts. You will find professionals of investment promotion agencies or industrial parks with whom to discuss investment opportunities and the investment climate.

And the Investment Village is much more.

It offers a space to learn more about the sustainability of investment that is fundamental to thrive in today and tomorrow’s world, such as: Sustainable finance and sustainability reporting, Special Economic Zones and the SDG Model Zones, or the latest academic thinking on investment for development. You will be able to exchange with innovative entrepreneurs and top academics.

Ladies and gentlemen,

With this Investment Village, we can harness the transformative power of investment and pave the way towards a world where investment drives development, fosters equality, and safeguards our planet.

Before closing, I would like to thank our host, the United Arab Emirates, for the warm welcome and the invaluable support in setting up this Village.

Thank you, and may the Investment Village be a hub of inspiration and collaboration!