World Investment Forum Concludes with Focus on Sustainable Finance, Energy Transition and Agriculture

The prestigious World Investment Forum (WIF) successfully wrapped up its 8th edition in Abu Dhabi under the overarching theme of ‘Investing in Sustainable Development’.

The event, which ran from October 16 to 20, saw robust participation from global thought leaders, investors, experts, and stakeholders spanning multiple nations.

UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Trade, His Excellency Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, remarked on the event's resounding success saying, "This year's forum underscores the UAE's steadfast commitment to economic advancement and sustainable growth.

"We recognize the essential role of investment in fostering sustainable socio-economic growth around the world, and the WIF stands as an exemplary platform to further international collaboration and exchange in-depth insights."

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His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), has extended his gratitude to all attendees and collaborators for making the 8th WIF a benchmark event for dialogue on sustainable investment.

H.E said: “We are honored that the 8th edition of UNCTAD’s World Investment Forum in Abu Dhabi has paved the way to a new era where international partnerships and investments are geared to achieve sustainable development goals.

"This year's WIF, set against a backdrop of swift global changes, showcased our efforts and initiatives to champion sustainable growth and steering economic excellence.”

H.E Al Zaabi adds: “As catalyst for economic diversification and growth, ADDED remain committed to provide a vibrant, globally competitive, and entrepreneurial ecosystem to generate opportunities for all, enabling them to reach their full potential.

"Additionally, we will continue nurturing relations with regional and international partners to encourage better trade and investments and promote Abu Dhabi’s business-friendly strengths worldwide."

Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General, UNCTAD, emphasized the significance of the timing of the forum saying, “The World Investment Forum coincided with the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"Since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, the SDG investment gap in developing countries has increased from $2.5 to $4 trillion. It is clear that we need to accelerate rapidly in the second half of the 2030 agenda.”

He also added, “Ahead of COP 28, we discussed the leadership role investors can take in bringing the world to carbon neutrality, and how investment promotion agencies and special economic zones can contribute to the global energy transition.”

Key discussions during the forum delved into the criticality of sustainability-focused investment priorities such as renewable energy and energy infrastructure; agriculture and agrifood systems to improve food security, resilience, and biodiversity, water management, and healthcare.

Prioritizing policy tools and actions to overcome the challenges and push sustainable finance and investment to priority areas, including

public-private partnerships, investment promotion and facilitation, and blended finance were a key element of the forum.

Read More: Investing in Sustainable Development: 8th World Investment Forum to Commence in Abu Dhabi