World Investment Forum opens in Doha amid shifting global investment trends

The World Investment Forum 2026 commenced on Sunday, graced by the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, at the Sheraton Hotel. This ninth edition of the forum, hosted by Qatar in collaboration with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is drawing over 5,000 participants. Among these attendees are heads of government, ministers, senior executives, leaders from international organizations, entrepreneurs, academics, and experts.

His Excellency Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, addressed the opening of the forum. He emphasized Qatar's approach of openness, flexibility, and partnership as a response to the global economy's transformations driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and the shift towards sustainability.

Al-Sayed highlighted that Qatar's investments in human capital, infrastructure, institutions, technology, and innovation over decades underpin this strategy. He underscored that trade and investment are interlinked, serving as complementary engines for economic growth and diversification.

Pedro Manuel Moreno, acting secretary-general of UNCTAD, introduced the concept of a new age of investment, termed the "age of strategy." He pointed out a shift from capital being driven by costs and efficiency to governments employing subsidies, investment screening, and trade policy to foster critical industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy, and critical minerals.

Moreno stated that these sectors now account for nearly half of all new greenfield investments globally, a significant surge from five years ago. He concluded that market opportunities are now created rather than discovered, marking a strategic turn in global investment.

In his opening remarks, Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, underscored that the theme 'Investing in the Future' reflects a call to action in a year marked by global challenges. He noted that sectors like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy, advanced technologies, and critical minerals are expected to significantly reshape economies and global production, offering substantial opportunities for sustainable development.

Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), remarked on the paradox of record investment levels alongside increasing distrust worldwide. She highlighted that while investment is booming, it coincides with a proliferation of risks. Grynspan emphasized that investment is a profound act of trust, acknowledging the world's production of record investment alongside a surge of risk.