Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators

The Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators was first launched in Singapore in 2007 as a strategic event aimed at tackling the unique investment-related changes of developing and emerging economies. It has since evolved into an annual event and an indispensable community of investment-focused government officials. By sharing experiences and lessons learned, this group works to achieve systemic reform to help safeguard their best interests.

The overarching goal of the event is to ensure that participating countries are able to attract responsible investment that advances sustainable development and also safeguards their legitimate policy space. Participants discuss emerging issues, review recent legal developments in the field, and engage in peer learning with fellow negotiators. Between events, the community also remains engaged through IISD's Investment Policy Network, regional meetings, and peer-to-peer exchanges.

The Forum has been hosted by a wide range of host countries, with the Fourteenth edition scheduled to take place in Abuja, Nigeria in early 2022. The Abuja Forum was also complemented by a High-Level Preparatory Launch Event.

Co-organizers and partner organizations

As the Annual Forum organizer, IISD has partnered with various international and regional organizations, which have been regularly represented at the meetings:

• South Centre
• Commonwealth Secretariat
• United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA)
• Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
• Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
• Southern African Development Community (SADC)
• Pacific Islands Forum, Office of the Chief Trade Adviser (OCTA)
• United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

Learn more about each forum

Each year, the Forum is co-hosted by a developing country government in rotation from Asia to Africa to Latin America:

• 14th Annual Forum – Abuja, Nigeria – Early 2022
• 14th Annual Forum High-Level Preparatory Launch Event – 2021
• 13th Annual Forum – Bangkok, Thailand – 2020 (Virtual)
• 12th Annual Forum – Cartagena, Colombia – 2019
• 11th Annual Forum – Nairobi, Kenya – 2018
• 10th Annual Forum – Colombo, Sri Lanka – 2016
• 9th Annual Forum – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 2015
• 8th Annual Forum – Montreux, Switzerland – 2014
• 7th Annual Forum – Jakarta, Indonesia – 2013
• 6th Annual Forum – Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – 2012
• 5th Annual Forum – Kampala, Uganda – 2011
• 4th Annual Forum – New Delhi, India – 2010
• 3rd Annual Forum – Quito, Ecuador – 2009
• 2nd Annual Forum – Marrakech, Morocco – 2008
• 1st Annual Forum – Singapore – 2007

Testimonials

Find out more about the Annual Forum and hear what participants, including Ambassador Xavier Carim of South Africa, have to say about the value of attending.