Sharjah Hosts 8th Investment Forum with Global Participation

Post by :

Sharjah is preparing to host the 8th edition of the Sharjah Investment Forum in 2025, which will be held together with the World Investment Conference for the first time in the emirate. This is a historic development for Sharjah, as it creates an international platform that brings together policymakers, business leaders, investment experts, and representatives from countries and global organisations to discuss how investments can support sustainable and inclusive growth. The joint forum is set to take place from October 22 to 23 at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, and it is expected to attract delegations from 142 countries along with more than 30 international organisations. This level of participation underscores Sharjah’s growing position as a global hub for economic dialogue, demonstrating the emirate’s ability to convene leaders from across the world to address pressing global challenges.

The theme of this year’s forum is “Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future.” It reflects a shared goal among countries and organisations to align investment flows with long-term social, economic, and environmental development objectives. With an estimated global financing gap of more than USD 4.2 trillion annually to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, discussions at the forum will focus on strategies to mobilise investments effectively and channel them toward sectors that create tangible positive impacts. Countries including the United States, China, India, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt are expected to participate. Their presence highlights not only the diversity of perspectives but also Sharjah’s role in facilitating international collaboration on critical development issues.

The forum is being organised by the Sharjah FDI Office, also known as Invest in Sharjah, in collaboration with global investment promotion agencies and the UAE Ministry of Investment. Policymakers, economic leaders, research institutions, development organisations, and investment promotion agencies will all come together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore ways to make investments more effective and sustainable. Marwan Alichla, the Coordinator General of the Sharjah Investment Forum Committee, emphasized that the event this year carries an unprecedented international scope and that its agenda is designed to address critical topics shaping the future of global investment and sustainable development. He explained that the forum aims to foster constructive dialogue, align visions across markets, and create equitable opportunities for all, especially in a rapidly changing global economy.

Dr. James Zhan, the Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference, described the event as a platform where ideas and capital converge, allowing stakeholders to explore practical solutions, form strategic partnerships, and drive transformative actions. He noted that hosting the World Investment Conference alongside the Sharjah Investment Forum presents a unique opportunity to chart a new course for global investment and development, bringing together leading minds and decision-makers at a crucial moment in international economic history.

Among the key activities of the forum will be an intensive executive workshop led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in partnership with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia. This workshop will focus on improving the performance of investment promotion agencies, helping them to better attract and manage foreign direct investment. Additionally, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) will host a high-level session titled “Aligning Investment Strategies with the SDGs,” which will provide practical models for integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into national and institutional investment frameworks.

The forum will also explore the social impact of investments. The International Labour Organisation will lead a discussion called “Beyond the Bottom Line: Turning FDI into More and Better Jobs,” highlighting policies that connect investment with job creation, improved productivity, and quality employment. Similarly, the International Trade Centre will examine methods to include environmental and social considerations into investment promotion strategies, signaling a shift from focusing solely on financial returns to considering broader societal and community impacts.

Specific sectors and collaboration opportunities will also be addressed during the forum. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation and the World Free Zones Organisation will co-host a session on “Free Economic Zones and Tourism Investment,” showcasing how such zones can foster innovation, create employment opportunities, and support economic development, particularly in emerging regions. In addition, a session by WAIPA and SCRIPA will convene investment promotion agencies from across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia, allowing them to share data, exchange best practices, and build stronger inter-regional partnerships.

The forum’s agenda will include high-level think tank panels and policy discussions that aim to shape the future of investment strategy. These conversations are particularly timely given the recent decline in funding for SDG-aligned sectors, which has dropped by over 10% in the past few years. The event seeks to encourage coordinated action, redirect investment flows to sustainable sectors, and support policy frameworks that are responsive to global development needs.

Overall, the Sharjah Investment Forum and World Investment Conference coming together in 2025 represents a significant step forward in global investment and development cooperation. The events provide a platform for leaders, policymakers, and economic experts to exchange ideas, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen international partnerships. By emphasizing sustainable and inclusive investment strategies, Sharjah is positioning itself as a key hub for shaping the future of global economic development. The forum highlights the importance of aligning financial flows with social and environmental priorities, fostering collaboration among nations, and creating opportunities that benefit communities worldwide. The combination of high-level workshops, policy discussions, and cross-sectoral collaboration ensures that the event will be not only a forum for discussion but also a catalyst for actionable solutions and meaningful change in the world of investment.

Sharjah Investment Forum, SIF 2025, World Investment Conference, Sustainable Development Goals, Foreign Direct Investment, Global Economy