To Presidents of Member
Parliaments of the IPU
Geneva, 16 August 2018
Dear Madam President,
Dear Mr. President,
The World Investment Forum is the pre-eminent global platform for investment and development.
Convened by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Forum
devises strategies and solutions for global investment and development challenges. It offers a unique
opportunity to influence investment-related policymaking, shape the global investment environment,
and network with global leaders in business and politics.
The next World Investment Forum will take place from 22 to 26 October 2018 at the United Nations
Office in Geneva. Organized under the overall theme
Investing in Sustainable Development,
this multi-
stakeholder event will address global challenges for international investment in the new era of
globalization and industrialization. The Forum is expected to bring together
some 5’000
participants,
including heads of State and Government, ministers, members of parliament, business leaders and
civil society
–
more information at
http://worldinvestmentforum.unctad.org/#/ms-1/1.
We are pleased to announce that this year’s World Investment Forum will feature
a special
programme for parliamentarians from 22-24 October. The programme will start on 22 October with a
workshop for parliamentarians on financing of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), continue
with a special session on 23 October focused on stimulating dialogue with policy makers and business
leaders, and provide opportunities for parliamentarians to attend a variety of Forum sessions on
24 October. A draft parliamentary programme is enclosed with this letter.
We very much hope that your parliament will be represented at the World Investment Forum and our
related parliamentary meetings. Given the nature of the event and its discussions, we would
particularly encourage participation by Chairs of Budget and Foreign Affairs Committees.
Registration for the World Investment Forum can be completed online at
http://worldinvestmentforum.unctad.org/2018-registration/.
Further information about the parliamentary
sessions will be shared in due course.
We very much hope that your parliament will be able to send a delegation to this important global
event.
Yours sincerely,
Gabriela Cuevas Barron
IPU President
Michael Møller
Director-General
United Nations Office at Geneva
Mukhisa Kituyi
UNCTAD Secretary-General