World Investment Forum 2026 spotlights broader capital access for developing economies
With foreign direct investment heavily concentrated in a small number of markets, policymakers and business leaders are set to use the World Investment Forum 2026 in Doha to discuss how capital can reach more economies and support development. The event runs from 25 to 27 October and brings together more than 5,000 participants across government, finance, business, academia and civil society.
Highlights
- UN Trade and Development reports global FDI reached $1.6 trillion in 2025, with over 80% concentrated in just 20 economies.
- World Investment Forum 2026 introduces new tracks on AI, now the largest strategic investment sector, and peace and reconstruction financing.
- Programme features 80+ sessions, 400+ speakers, and debuts a Centre Stage format for live start-up pitches and country investment presentations.
Doha agenda expands across AI, peace and new sectors
As reported by UN Trade and Development, the forum is set to feature more than 80 sessions and over 400 speakers covering investment policy, investment promotion, special economic zones, sustainable finance, climate, oceans, entrepreneurship, small businesses, AI, tourism and culture.The UN body says global foreign direct investment reached $1.6 trillion in 2025, but more than 80% of that total went to just 20 economies, a concentration that frames this year's discussions on widening access to development capital.
The programme also adds several first-time themes. AI now stands as the largest strategic investment sector, and the forum is dedicating a separate track to the technology. Peace and reconstruction financing are also entering the agenda for the first time, alongside discussions on how developing economies can participate in the space economy as launch costs fall and how culture can attract more investment.
A new Centre Stage format is set to host live start-up pitches, country investment presentations and entrepreneurs building global companies from different markets.
In our earlier article on the mounting constraints around U.S. AI data center expansion, we examined how rising funding costs, construction delays and power limitations are starting to slow the buildout. We also noted that investor confidence is becoming more sensitive to cost overruns and missed timelines, raising questions about how quickly computing capacity can scale despite strong demand.
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