Section outline

  • Delivered by the Division on Investment and Enterprise. The sustainable development goals to be defined this year by the international community to face common global economic, social and environmental challenges in the next 15 years will have great resource implications, especially for developing countries. According to UNCTAD estimates, developing countries will require another US$2.5 trillion annually over and above current investment levels in key sustainable development goals sectors. Private investment, including foreign direct investment, could be important in filling this gap. Investment promotion agencies will be critical for this to succeed, but this will require a shift from business-as-usual. This course will look into the new role that investment promotion agencies can play in mobilizing foreign direct investment for sustainable development goals, including changes required in their strategic and operational approaches, new partnerships with national and international stakeholders, and involvement by diplomats. Participants will also be briefed on UNCTAD's programme to support investment promotion agencies in attracting foreign direct investment for sustainable development.