The World Investment Forum 2026 opens today in Doha, Qatar, to address a central question: how to direct capital towards the economies and sectors that need it most and ensure it contributes to development.
Hosted by Qatar, a major international investor, the ninth edition takes place as capital becomes increasingly concentrated and global value chains are reshaped by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.
The Forum brings together those who shape investment policy and those who allocate capital, providing a platform for dialogue and partnerships to help rebuild confidence in the region and beyond.
Latest data and analysis on foreign direct investment
The latest Global Investment Trends Monitor from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), released today, shows that the value of international investment rose in the first half of 2026, supported by major transactions in strategic sectors.
However, new investment projects and cross-border transactions continued to decline worldwide. In developing countries, investment in sectors critical to development, including infrastructure, energy, health and food systems, fell by more than 25%.
UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2026 also shows that more than 80% of global foreign direct investment went to just 20 economies in 2025. Geopolitical tensions, energy price pressures and supply chain disruptions continue to weigh on the investment outlook.
The Forum seeks to help close these gaps at a time where investment is becoming increasingly selective and governments are prioritizing strategic industries and national economic interests.
Three regional investment reports will provide further analysis of investment trends, opportunities and policy developments across the Caribbean, the Eurasian Economic Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council:
- Caribbean Investment Report 2026
- Eurasian Economic Union Investment Report 2026
- Gulf Cooperation Council Investment Report
A global platform for investment
Held under the theme “Investing in the future”, the Forum brings together more than 5,000 participants, including heads of government, ministers, CEOs, investors, sovereign wealth fund leaders, representatives of international organizations and more than 200 international journalists.
Four prime ministers, from Qatar, Lesotho, Libya and Madagascar, will attend, alongside four deputy prime ministers and nearly 50 government ministers.
Investment priorities and emerging opportunities
The Forum features more than 80 sessions and over 400 speakers covering investment policy, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, sustainable finance, climate and the environment, tourism and culture, investment promotion and special economic zones.
Two ministerial meetings, focusing on investment and entrepreneurship, will bring government representatives together to discuss policy priorities and opportunities for cooperation.
The Forum will also recognize excellence in investment promotion and entrepreneurship through the Investment Promotion Awards and the Women in Business Awards.
Exploring new investment frontiers
For the first time, artificial intelligence (AI) has a dedicated track at the Forum. As AI infrastructure becomes a major destination for strategic investment, participants will examine how developing economies can benefit from these opportunities rather than fall further behind.
The programme also introduces discussions on investing in peace, examining how investment can support reconstruction and recovery in fragile and conflict-affected economies beyond immediate humanitarian relief.
A new session on investment in space will explore how developing countries can participate in this rapidly expanding industry, while conversations on art and civilization will examine investment opportunities in culture.
Organized by UNCTAD since 2008, the World Investment Forum brings together governments, investors and business leaders to shape investment policies, forge partnerships and identify priorities for action.
See the full programme and follow plenary sessions live on the World Investment Forum’s official website.
About UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
UNCTAD is the UN’s leading body on trade and development. Founded in 1964, it supports 195 member states with expert analysis, technical assistance, and serves as a platform for intergovernmental dialogue.
UNCTAD helps developing countries make trade, finance, investment, and the digital economy work for inclusive and sustainable development.