Government officials from three continents gathered at the World Investment Conference–Sharjah Investment Forum 2025
Government leaders from Europe, Africa, and Asia convened at the World Investment Conference–Sharjah Investment Forum (WIC–SIF 2025) on Wednesday, calling for a re-evaluation of investment promotion strategies to align with rapidly shifting global capital flows.
During a high-level session on investment facilitation, ministers and policymakers highlighted the importance of collaboration, trust-based policy frameworks, and sustainable finance as critical drivers of new growth opportunities. The discussions reflected trends from UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2025, which showed a 9% increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to least-developed countries, reaching USD 37 billion in 2024, largely driven by green finance, digital infrastructure, and reform-led emerging economies.
Participants emphasised the evolving role of FDI as a driver of development, innovation, and long-term opportunity, with a growing focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and resilient supply chains. Countries showcased their investment potential: from Pakistan’s strategic reforms and regional partnerships to Serbia’s climate-focused transformation, Jordan’s gateway position linking three continents, and Tajikistan’s green energy opportunities.
The forum, held for the first time in conjunction with the World Investment Conference, marks a major milestone for Sharjah in shaping the global conversation on sustainable investment. Under the theme “Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future,” the two-day event will gather over 10,000 participants from 142 countries, featuring 130 speakers, more than 160 sessions, and 120 bilateral meetings.
