UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) introduced a new investment framework at its Doha forum to broaden access to capital after the 20 largest host economies drew over four-fifths of global foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025.
The ninth World Investment Forum was officially listed for Oct. 25-27 in Qatar. UNCTAD says the Doha Global Investment Action Framework organizes more than 20 outcomes across six priorities. Proposals include a global risk-sharing initiative, ways to attract financing for artificial intelligence infrastructure, principles for updating investment treaties and an investment-insurance declaration with the Berne Union. UNCTAD also announced partnerships aimed at vulnerable economies.
The agency’s World Investment Report 2026 put global FDI at $1.6 trillion in 2025, a 6% increase. Developing economies received $901 billion, up 2%, while developed economies took in $723 billion, up 11%.
Concentration also increased across five strategic sectors. Announced greenfield investment in those sectors reached $576 billion in 2025, up from $109 billion in 2020, while their share of global greenfield investment rose to 44% from 16%. The sectors include AI infrastructure, semiconductors, critical minerals and energy-transition technologies.
UNCTAD linked the investment gap to shortages of infrastructure, skilled workers and supplier networks, as well as limited public finances in many developing economies. The forum program identified resilient supply chains, reliable infrastructure, skilled talent, predictable regulation, innovation ecosystems and local capabilities as factors investors seek. UNCTAD said investment supports development when it expands productive activity and employment, builds skills and transfers technology.
Qatar also hosted the forum in 2012; UNCTAD describes it as a biennial event. Pedro Manuel Moreno, UNCTAD’s deputy secretary-general and acting secretary-general, said countries need “strategies of their own and partners to carry them forward.” Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry said progress on the framework will be monitored over five years.
