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 next Annual Forum
The 14th Annual Forum is scheduled to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2022. The theme of this event will be “Coherence in International Investment Governance, Crafting a Holistic Approach to Investments that Work for Sustainable Development.”
The Abuja Forum was also complemented by a High-Level Preparatory Launch Event in September, 2021.
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)
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.
Previous Annual Forums
Each year, the Forum is co-hosted by a developing country government in rotation from Asia to Africa to Latin America.
13th Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators
The 13th Annual Forum was hosted by Thailand and took place virtually in 2020 with the theme: Investment Policymaking During COVID-19 and Beyond
12th Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators
The 12th Annual Forum took place in 2019 in Cartagena, Colombia, with the theme: Shifting International Investment Law Toward Sustainable Development
11th Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators
The 11th Annual Forum took place in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2018 with the theme: The Changing World of Investment Negotiations
10th Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators
The 10th Annual Forum took place in 2016 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with the theme: Reshaping Investment Law and Policy to Support the 2030 Development Agenda
9th Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators
The 9th Annual Forum took place in 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the theme: Investment Treaties in a State of Flux: Strategies and opportunities for developing countries
8th Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators
The 8th Annual Forum took place in 2014 in Montreux, Switzerland, with the theme: Investment Treaties and Economic Development: Growing conflicts and options for coherence
Project team

Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder
Executive Director, IISD Europe; Senior Director, Economic Law & Policy

Flavia Thomé
Head of Operations, Economic Law and Policy, and Advisor to the President & CEO on Project Operations

Suzy H. Nikièma
Lead, Sustainable Investment

Sarah Brewin
Associate, Advisor Agriculture and Investment

Abas Kinda
Associate

Lukas Schaugg
International Law Analyst

Nyaguthii Maina
Associate
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