Qatar Affirms Readiness to Host World Investment Forum in Doha

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah participated in the opening of the 16th session of the Investment, Enterprise and Development Commission of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on August 31, 2026. This significant gathering at the Palais des Nations marked a key moment for international economic cooperation. During the session, she affirmed Qatar's readiness to host the ninth edition of the World Investment Forum in Doha from October 25 to 27. Dr. Al Muftah stated that the forum, themed "Investing in the Future," is designed "as an international platform to strengthen collective action and build actionable partnerships between global capital and development priorities." This theme shows the forum's commitment to addressing contemporary economic challenges and opportunities through strategic investment. She added that Qatar's National Vision 2030 and Third National Development Strategy prioritize "knowledge-driven and innovation-driven economic diversification." These national strategies provide a strong framework for Qatar's economic development and its role in fostering global investment. Qassim Nasser Al Darwish, Commercial Attache at Qatar's Permanent Mission in Geneva, was elected Vice-Chair for the commission's current session. His election notes Qatar's active engagement in international economic bodies.

Forum Details and Goals

The World Investment Forum will adopt 'Investing in the Future' as its central theme, reflecting a forward-looking approach to global economic development. This theme will guide discussions and initiatives throughout the event. During the event in Doha, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) plans to launch new guidelines designed to align investment agreements with sustainable development objectives. These guidelines are expected to provide a key framework for fostering responsible and impactful investment practices worldwide. Qatar's national strategies emphasize specific priorities that will inform the forum's discussions, ensuring that local insights contribute to global solutions.

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah reiterated that Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030) "place knowledge-driven and innovation-driven economic diversification, private-sector empowerment, digital transformation and sustainability at the forefront of national priorities, while consolidating Qatar’s position as a trusted international partner in ensuring the sustainability of global energy supplies and the resilience of supply chains." These full national priorities, including economic diversification and digital transformation, are expected to significantly shape the forum's agenda and outcomes. The forum will provide a platform to explore how these national ambitions can contribute to broader international investment goals. Discussions will likely delve into strategies for empowering the private sector and leveraging digital advancements to drive sustainable growth.

High-Level Attendance Expected

Around 20 ministers have confirmed their attendance for the World Investment Forum in Doha, signaling the high-level importance and international recognition of the event. The forum will also see participation from leading figures representing international organizations. Among these are high-level representatives from the World Trade Organization, UN Tourism, and the International Telecommunication Union, indicating a broad scope of topics covering trade, tourism, and digital connectivity. The presence of these influential bodies shows the forum's role as a nexus for global policy and economic discourse.

The forum is further expected to draw attendees from the financial and business sectors, bringing together diverse perspectives on investment opportunities and challenges. Representatives of various development banks will be present, alongside delegates from the private sector, fostering dialogue between public and private capital. The International Chamber of Commerce will also send its representatives to the gathering, noting the forum's relevance to global commerce and trade facilitation. Additionally, prominent economists from around the world are slated to attend the forum, contributing to discussions on global investment trends and future economic strategies with their expert analyses and insights. This diverse participation is set to enrich the debates and foster actionable partnerships during the event.

Qatar's Strategic Alignment

Qatar supports initiatives by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) focused on modernizing the network of international investment agreements (IIAs). This support extends to efforts aimed at reforming older generations of these agreements, aligning with global trends toward more sustainable and equitable investment frameworks. This strategic alignment shows Qatar's commitment to fostering a conducive international investment environment that promotes both economic growth and sustainable development. The country's proactive stance on IIA modernization reflects its dedication to creating a stable and predictable investment climate.

The World Investment Forum in Doha will also feature specialized dialogues designed to cultivate future talent for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These sessions will be conducted in cooperation with the Qatar Development Bank, reflecting a national emphasis on nurturing local businesses and entrepreneurship. The collaboration notes a practical approach to strengthening the SME sector, a key component of economic diversification efforts within Qatar. These dialogues are key for equipping SMEs with the skills and resources needed to thrive in a competitive global market, thereby contributing significantly to national economic resilience and innovation. The focus on SMEs aligns with Qatar's broader strategy to build a knowledge-based economy and empower its domestic private sector.