The World Investment Forum 2026, held in Doha, Qatar, from October 25-27, convened global leaders, investors, and policymakers to address the critical challenge of channeling capital towards developing economies. Organized by the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and hosted by Qatar, the forum's central theme, 'Investing in the Future,' sought to devise strategies for increasing investment flows into nations grappling with significant financing barriers. Despite a global recovery in foreign direct investment (FDI), developing economies continue to face widening investment gaps, with over 80% of global FDI concentrated in just 20 economies in 2025 [1, 5, 6, 8, 9].

Key proposals emerging from the forum include the establishment of a proposed Global Initiative for Investment Risk Sharing. This initiative aims to expand access to instruments that mitigate political, regulatory, and currency risks, thereby making underserved markets more attractive to public and private investors [1, 8]. Cooperation between governments, development finance institutions, export credit agencies, insurers, and investors is central to this effort [1, 8]. Furthermore, a declaration of intention was signed between UNCTAD and the Berne Union, an international association of export credit and investment insurers, to strengthen cooperation on investment insurance and risk mitigation [1, 8].

The forum also highlighted the need for targeted investment in sectors crucial for development, such as infrastructure, energy, health, and food systems. Announcements of new projects in these critical sectors have declined by over 25% in developing countries [1, 6, 8, 9]. To address this, a forthcoming Digital and AI Infrastructure Investment Playbook will assist low- and lower-middle-income countries in assessing needs and developing financeable projects for AI infrastructure. A new steering committee will also develop principles for responsible AI investment, focusing on transparency, sustainability, and development priorities [1].

Discussions also encompassed investment in renewable energy, infrastructure, and critical minerals, with a focus on developing value chains beyond raw material extraction. Additionally, a partnership with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs aims to help developing countries identify opportunities in the space economy [1, 4]. The forum also recognized entrepreneurial achievements, with the 2026 Women in Business Awards celebrating female entrepreneurs, and the 2026 UN Investment Promotion Awards honoring excellence in attracting investment in the digital economy [3].

Despite a 6% increase in global FDI to $1.6 trillion in 2025, the recovery was uneven, with developing economies experiencing only a 2% growth [5]. The forum's outcomes aim to bridge this divide, ensuring that capital flows contribute to development and shared prosperity, rather than exacerbating existing inequalities.