The UNCTAD’s World Investment Forum, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from October 16th to 20th, 2023, is set to focus on the crucial need for innovative investment strategies and policies that promote the flow of capital toward environmentally and socially sustainable development projects. It will particularly emphasize women’s empowerment.
Under the theme “Investing in Sustainable Development,” the eighth edition of the World Investment Forum (WIF) will dedicate its second and third days to a comprehensive exploration of the pivotal role that investment plays in advancing Gender Equality, the fifth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) set by the United Nations.
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development. Empowering women and providing them with equal opportunities in education, employment, and political participation are essential steps toward achieving the SDGs and making significant strides in various fields.
The 8th edition of WIF, to be hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), will feature a dynamic agenda comprising dialogues, keynote addresses, interactive workshops, and side events aimed at discussing the global challenges related to investment and development.
The forum’s overarching goal is to facilitate communication among global leaders, stimulate cooperation and collaboration between the public and private sectors, and direct international trade and investments toward sustainable sectors.
Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, Executive Director of the SME sector at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), emphasized the commitment to women’s empowerment and highlighted initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in various economic sectors. These initiatives leverage Abu Dhabi’s advanced business ecosystem and ambitious development plans, working in collaboration with federal and local entities to enhance the business environment and promote women’s empowerment and sustainable development goals.
Al Nasri highlighted the significance of initiatives like the “Gender Balance Council Strategy 2026,” which includes measures and programs supporting investments in projects promoting gender equality, with a particular focus on women’s education and training, as well as support for women in business.
A panel discussion titled “Investment Promotion and its Impact on Gender Equality,” organized in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), will highlight the role of investment promotion agencies in achieving gender equality in investment promotion and facilitation. These agencies are increasingly integrating gender equality and empowering women across their operations, facilitating positive impacts on gender equality in host countries’ economies.
Another session on “Gender Equality in Corporate Leadership,” organized in partnership with the International Finance Corporation and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, will provide a platform for market leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities for achieving gender equality. It will examine the role of financial markets and other stakeholders in promoting gender equality within their business scope and explore progress in achieving gender balance in corporate boards and leadership positions.
Gender equality is a top priority on the international sustainability agenda and a key SDG of the United Nations. Companies are actively working to enhance their practices, forge public-private partnerships, and allocate resources effectively to advance gender equality.
The World Investment Forum will bring together over 7,000 investment stakeholders from 160 countries, including leaders, government officials, decision-makers, business professionals, executives of global companies, investment experts, and representatives from civil society, academia, and international media. It aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and strategies that promote sustainable development and gender equality in the investment landscape.
