1. Introduction
Why do you think the World Investment Forum is Important for NGOs?
The World Investment Forum (WIF) is crucial for NGOs because it is a global platform for advocacy, networking, and partnerships. NGOs leverage WIF to influence global investment policies, exchange knowledge, access resources, and raise awareness of sustainable and socially responsible investment.
WIF's diverse range of investment events fosters discussions and collaborations, enabling NGOs to advance their agendas and significantly impact the global investment landscape.
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2. WIF Sessions Spotlight
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2.1: D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation – UNCTAD Guiding Principles for Investment
Date: October 16, 2023
Time: 13:30 – 15:00
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UNCTAD and the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation have developed Guiding Principles for D-8 member states. These principles align with UNCTAD's investment policy and IIA reform tools for sustainable development. They aim to promote agreement among D-8 members on investment reform, emphasising the need for coherence, dynamic policymaking, and international cooperation. For more…
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2.2: SEZs and Entrepreneurship Development
Date: October 17, 2023
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
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Special Economic Zones (SEZs, known for attracting foreign investment, are now acknowledged for their role in supporting local businesses, particularly MSMEs. In partnership with the African Economic Zone Organization (AEZO), this session will showcase policies and programs fostering local entrepreneurship within and near SEZs in Africa, aiming to identify transferable initiatives for global SEZ authorities. For more…
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2.3: Investing in Health
Date: October 18, 2023
Time: 14:15 – 16:15
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To achieve SDG 3 ("Good Health and Well-Being"), at least $100bn annually is required for healthcare infrastructure in developing countries. UNCTAD's event at the World Investment Forum gathers stakeholders to discuss progress, investment priorities, and partnerships to bridge the healthcare investment gap. For more…
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2.4: Accelerating Green Investments in Tourism for Sustainable Development
Date: October 19, 2023
Time: 10:30 – 12:00
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Tourism was 4% of the global economy pre-pandemic, but it suffered losses in 2020-2021, including reduced investment. UNCTAD and the UN World Tourism Organisation work together to bridge the $4tn annual investment gap for Sustainable Development Goals in developing nations through discussions on financing, green investments, and climate action in tourism. For more…
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2.5: Financing the Climate Transition – The Way Forward
Date: October 20, 2023
Time: 11:00 – 11:30
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This session will consolidate insights and outcomes from the climate finance and investment discussions during the Forum, providing valuable input for COP28 negotiations and involving Heads of Delegations. Through a partnership with COP28's incoming presidency, UNFCCC, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the aim is to ensure that the Forum's climate finance and investment events actively contribute to COP28 deliberations. For more…
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3. Investment News Roundup from elsewhere
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3.1 Saudi-Italian investment forum spurs collaboration with 21 Agreements.
The article showcases the impactful outcomes of the Saudi-Italian Investment Forum, hosted in Milan, where 21 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed across diverse sectors such as energy, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. These agreements substantially reinforce commercial cooperation, foster trade growth, and strengthen investment relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy, resulting in a noteworthy non-oil bilateral trade value of approximately SR5.6bn in 2022.
"Invest in Tomorrow: Abu Dhabi’s Economic Transition" is a pivotal session of the World Investment Forum, aligning with the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to secure long-term prosperity in Abu Dhabi and foster innovation.
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3.2 Reform the Global Finance System to Fund the Sustainable Development Goals
This article illustrates that July 2023, the hottest month on record, emphasises the urgency of addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development. The 2023 Sustainable Development Report reveals that inefficiencies in international financing for SDGs contribute to global inequalities, necessitating long-term national SDG plans, global cooperation, and credit-risk rating methodology revisions to bridge the financing gap for equitable development.
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are pivotal in accelerating progress and serving as transformative vehicles for channelling finance and innovation toward sustainable development goals (SDGs). In line with this objective, the World Investment Forum (WIF) will host an event focused on SDG Model Zones, emphasising the significant contribution of SEZs in facilitating investment to achieve the SDGs.
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3.3 Climate data and net zero: Closing the gap on investors’ data needs
This report focuses on the critical role of climate data in supporting investors' efforts to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and the transition to a low-carbon economy. It highlights the need for trillions of dollars in investments across various sectors to combat global warming. Institutional investors are pivotal in this transition, providing essential capital, engaging with companies to reduce emissions, and influencing policymakers for supportive frameworks. The report emphasises the growing importance of climate data providers in helping investors make informed decisions and engage effectively with their investments.
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3.4 Webinar on “The path forward for the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement”
An insightful webinar hosted by the International Trade Centre (ITC), discussing the future of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement. This agreement, launched in September 2020 and successfully negotiated by over 110 WTO Members in July 2023, aims to enhance transparency, streamline administrative procedures, and promote sustainable Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), particularly for developing and least-developed nations.
In a related context, the World Investment Forum is organising an "Investment Facilitation: International Policy Developments" session to bring together various stakeholders to analyse global trends and challenges in investment facilitation policies aimed at sustainable development.
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