Sharjah Investment Forum 2025 Welcomes Delegations From 142 Countries To Discuss Sustainable Investment Strategies

Sharjah will host the 8th Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2025) alongside the World Investment Conference (WIC), a first for the emirate. Delegates from 142 countries and over 30 international organisations will attend. The event aims to align investment flows with sustainable development, addressing a global financing gap of more than USD 4.2 trillion needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Scheduled for October 22-23 at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, this year's forum is notable for its scale and diversity. High-level delegations from nations like the US, China, India, and others highlight Sharjah's role as a hub for economic dialogue. The event is organised by Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) with WAIPA and the UAE Ministry of Investment.

The theme ‘Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future’ will guide discussions among policymakers, economic leaders, investment agencies, research institutions, and development bodies. Marwan Alichla, SIF Committee Coordinator General, emphasised the forum's international scope. "The forum is designed to foster international dialogue and align visions across markets and business communities. In Sharjah, we believe that constructive global exchange is key to unlocking sustainable and equitable opportunities in a rapidly changing world," he stated.

A key feature will be an executive workshop by the OECD with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment to enhance investment promotion agencies' performance in facilitating foreign direct investment. UNIDO will host a session titled ‘Aligning Investment Strategies with the SDGs’, offering models to integrate sustainable goals into national frameworks.

Dr James Zhan, Chairman of WIC's Executive Board, noted the significance of these events. "The World Investment Conference is WAIPA's flagship event where vision meets capital, a global stage for shaping the future investment through pragmatic solutions, strategic partnerships, and transformative actions. The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies is proud to co-organise WIC in Sharjah this year, in parallel with the Sharjah Investment Forum - two stellar events which come together at a momentous time to chart a new investment-development course for years to come."

Investment's Social Impact

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) will lead discussions on linking investments with job creation through policies that enhance productivity. Their session ‘Beyond the Bottom Line: Turning FDI into More and Better Jobs’ aims to connect investment with quality employment opportunities.

Similarly, the International Trade Centre (ITC) will explore embedding environmental and social priorities into promotion strategies. This reflects an industry shift towards community-oriented impacts rather than just financial returns.

Sector-Specific Focus

Sessions will also focus on specific sectors like tourism and free economic zones as innovation incubators. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) and World Free Zones Organisation (World FZO) will co-host ‘Free Economic Zones and Tourism Investment’. This session highlights their potential for innovation and employment in the Global South.

To strengthen global ties further, WAIPA–SCRIPA sessions will bring together investment promotion agencies from Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. These sessions aim to enhance data sharing and foster deeper inter-regional cooperation.

Addressing Funding Challenges

High-level think tank panels are part of SIF 2025's agenda to shape future investment sector agendas. These discussions occur amid declining funding for SDG-aligned sectors by over 10% recently. Coordinated efforts are needed to redirect investments towards responsive policy frameworks.

The forum underscores Sharjah’s commitment to fostering international dialogue on sustainable development through strategic investments.

With inputs from WAM