Sharjah: The 8th edition of the Sharjah Investment Forum concluded with a mandate from senior government leaders and global experts to safeguard transparency in investment markets by standardising environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures and to expand on regional partnerships and sustainable investment. Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), in partnership with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, the forum brought together over 12,000 participants from 142 countries.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum featured 160 sessions and 120 business meetings under the theme ‘Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future.’ Ministers and institutional leaders explored how green investment and sustainable finance can build tomorrow’s economies amidst geopolitical and technological shifts. Experts affirmed the necessity of transparency in project financing to restore investor confidence, calling for full institutional disclosure of investments and environmental emissions. They highlighted the need to harmonise global financial and governance-disclosure standards for comparability and reliability across markets.
The forum’s speakers recommended developing innovative financing tools such as pilot funds and green sukuks (Islamic green bonds) to channel investment into sustainable projects, stating that thorough institutional reform is essential for long-term economic development. Government figures emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in tackling economic challenges, citing flexibility and adaptability as crucial for building enduring economies. The UAE’s experience with 13 free-trade agreements was highlighted as a model for opening new markets to investors.
Speakers also stressed the value of integrated supply chains for entering new markets and attracting quality investment. They called for more responsive systems, faster processes, and policies that welcome talent, along with continuous service support for investors from project inception through to expansion. Participants underscored the importance of the green economy as central to future economies, urging the conversion of environmental commitments into effective policy. They highlighted successful green-job initiatives in Oman and Brazil, noting the challenges of clean-energy infrastructure in sustainable investment, particularly in developing countries.
Corporate leaders noted that AI and advanced technologies are reducing emissions and improving industrial efficiency, citing the UAE’s role as a global hub for energy and sustainability. They stressed that investment in people, knowledge, and technology is crucial for building resilient economies capable of adapting to global change. Participants reflected on Sharjah’s role as a global platform for economic dialogue, bridging international expertise with the UAE’s development vision and serving as a hub for capital, innovation, and human potential.
The forum’s outcomes are expected to shape the global investment agenda with recommendations that promote sustainability, equitable partnerships, green finance, and transparent governance to encourage worldwide economic balance and inclusion.