UNCTAD opens Doha forum as investment gaps widen for developing economies

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) opened its ninth World Investment Forum in Doha on 25 October, bringing governments, investors and business leaders together to discuss how capital can reach more economies and support development. The forum runs through 27 October and is hosted by Qatar in partnership with the UN agency.

The opening coincided with the release of UNCTAD’s latest Global Investment Trends Monitor. It reports that the value of international investment rose in the first half of 2026, helped by major transactions in strategic sectors. At the same time, the number of new investment projects and cross-border transactions continued to decline worldwide, pointing to a gap between headline value and the spread of new activity.

The agency said investment in developing countries in sectors it identifies as critical to development—infrastructure, energy, health and food systems—fell by more than 25%. The release does not give separate figures for those sectors or name a comparison period, so the combined decline should not be read as a specific estimate for any one industry.

UNCTAD also cited its World Investment Report 2026, which found that more than 80% of global foreign direct investment went to just 20 economies in 2025. The Doha forum is intended to examine how policy, partnerships and investment promotion can broaden participation as governments respond to geopolitical tensions, energy-cost pressures and disrupted supply chains.

The three-day gathering is expected to draw more than 5,000 participants and features over 80 sessions with more than 400 speakers. Its agenda covers investment policy, special economic zones, sustainable finance, climate, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, tourism and culture. UNCTAD says regional investment reports on the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Eurasian Economic Union and the Caribbean will add analysis of investment patterns and policy issues.

The programme also adds dedicated discussions on AI investment, financing reconstruction in fragile and conflict-affected economies, and investment in space. Qatar is hosting as an international investor, while UNCTAD describes the forum as a platform for policy dialogue and partnerships. The opening release sets out the issues and published data; it does not report new forum agreements or investment commitments.