Investment Policy Forum

IISD hosts the annual Investment Policy Forum, the world's only yearly assembly on investment negotiation exclusively for emerging and developing economies. Until 2023, it was known as the Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators.

The Investment Policy Forum was first launched in Singapore in 2007 as an event for tackling the unique investment-related challenges of developing and emerging economies. It has since evolved into an annual event and an indispensable global community of government officials working on investment issues.

Through the sharing of experiences, expertise, and best practices, the network helps to create systemic reform advancing sustainable development in emerging economies across the world

The core goal of the event is to ensure that participating countries are able to attract responsible investment that advances sustainable development while safeguarding their legitimate policy space. Participants discuss emerging issues, review recent legal developments, 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.

14th Annual Forum, October 2022

The 14th Annual Forum took place in Abuja, Nigeria, in October 2022. The theme of the event was “Coherence in International Investment: Governance, Crafting a Holistic Approach to Investments that Work for Sustainable Development.” Find all the information on the 14th Forum here, and the report summarizing the Forum here. 

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 that have been regularly represented at the meetings:

• South Centre
• Commonwealth Secretariat
• United Nations Conference on Trade and Development 
• West African Economic and Monetary Union 
• Caribbean Community
• Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa 
• Southern African Development Community 
• Pacific Islands Forum, Office of the Chief Trade Adviser
• United Nations Economic Commission for Africa 

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.