Baku:A global initiative to mitigate investment risks, along with new tools aimed at attracting financing for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, have been proposed as part of efforts to assist developing countries in securing more capital for development. These measures are among the primary outcomes of the World Investment Forum 2026, organized by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and hosted by the State of Qatar.
According to Wam, the forum also resulted in a declaration of intention with the Berne Union to enhance cooperation on investment insurance, along with new partnerships focusing on vulnerable economies. Additionally, the first funded project of an expanded ocean-economy fund in São Tomé and Príncipe was announced.
These initiatives address the growing investment gaps worldwide. The UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2026 highlights that in 2025, over 80% of global foreign direct investment was directed to just 20 economies. Although investment flows increased in the first half of 2026, there was a more than 25% decline in announcements of new projects in critical development sectors, such as infrastructure, energy, health, and food systems, in developing countries, as reported by the latest Global Investment Trends Monitor.
Developing economies face the risk of lagging further behind as AI infrastructure investment becomes increasingly concentrated in wealthier nations. UNCTAD's recent data reveals a $32 billion reduction in announced investments for data centers in developing economies.