Welcome to WIC Highlights  


Explore the top highlights from the 28th World Investment Conference. From the grand opening ceremony to engaging panel discussions, first-time initiatives, video recordings, and much more, this page brings you a comprehensive overview of the event.

6000+

Attendees

120+

Countries

27

Ministers

20+

Ambassadors

70+

IPAs

106

Speakers

33

Conference Sessions

1st

Ministerial Roundtable

1st

Ambassador Roundtable

9

Masterclasses

18

Side Events

200+

B2B meetings

28th WIC Speakers

Ministers

H.E Khalid AlFalih
H.E Khalid AlFalihMinister of Investment of Saudi Arabia
H.E Eng.Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser
H.E Eng.Saleh bin Nasser Al-JasserMinster of Transportation and Logistic Services, Saudi Arabia
H.E Faisal F. Alibrahim
H.E Faisal F. AlibrahimMinister of Economy and Planning, Saudi Arabia
H.E Mr. Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef
H.E Mr. Bandar Ibrahim AlkhorayefMinister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Saudi Arabia
H.E. Minister Hassan El Khatib
H.E. Minister Hassan El KhatibMinistry of Investment and Foreign Trade, Egypt
H.E. Mr. Daler Juma
H.E. Mr. Daler Juma Minister of Energy, Tajikistan
H.E. Mr. Ismael Nabe
H.E. Mr. Ismael NabeMinister of Planning and International Cooperation, Republic of Guinea
Honourable Mr. Henry Fernandez
Honourable Mr. Henry FernandezMinister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment. Antigua and Barbuda
HH Prince Sultan Bin Khalid Al Saud
HH Prince Sultan Bin Khalid Al SaudCEO of Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF)
H.E. Mr. Ibrahim AlMubarak
H.E. Mr. Ibrahim AlMubarakAssistant Minister of Investment, Saudi Arabia
Eng. Ahmed M. Al Sharqi
Eng. Ahmed M. Al SharqiDeputy Minister of Labor Affairs, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Saudi Arabia
H. E. Mr. Kostas Fragkogiannis
H. E. Mr. Kostas FragkogiannisDeputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Diplomacy&Openness, Hellenic Republic
Mr. Sevak Mikayelyan
Mr. Sevak MikayelyanDeputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia
H.E Samer Alkharashi
H.E Samer AlkharashiDirector of UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East
H. E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser
H. E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al JasserChairman, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group
H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej
H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Al-DuailejPresident of the KSA General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)
H.E. Mr, Zaher Al Qatarneh
H.E. Mr, Zaher Al QatarnehSecretary General, Ministry of Investment, Jordan
H.E. Dr. Sidi Ould TAH
H.E. Dr. Sidi Ould TAHPresident, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)
H.E Mr. Christophe Farnaud
H.E Mr. Christophe FarnaudEU Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Non-resident to Bahrain and Oman
Rt. Hon Alderman Alastair King DL
Rt. Hon Alderman Alastair King DLLord Mayor of London
Right Honourable Dr Denzil L Douglas
Right Honourable Dr Denzil L DouglasSenior Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry & Commerce, Consumer Affairs, Economic Development and Investment
Dr. Margarete Schramboeck
Dr. Margarete SchramboeckFormer Minister of Minister of Digital & Economic Affairs, Austria | Board Member Aramco

International Organizations 

Ms. Nivruti Rai
Ms. Nivruti RaiPresident, WAIPA MD & CEO, Invest India
Mr. Ismail Ersahin
Mr. Ismail ErsahinExecutive Director & CEO, WAIPA
Dr. James Zhan
Dr. James ZhanChair, Executive Board of World Investment Conference, WAIPA
Mr. Baxter Roberts
Mr. Baxter RobertsSenior Counsellor to the Director for Financial and Enterprise Affairs, OECD
Dr. Stefan Kratzsch
Dr. Stefan KratzschHead, Sustainable Investments and Responsible Business Unit, UNIDO
Mr. Davide Cichero
Mr. Davide CicheroChief of Staff, ICC
Mr. Escipión J. OLIVEIRA-GÓMEZ
Mr. Escipión J. OLIVEIRA-GÓMEZDirector, Division of Enterprises Competitiveness and Institutions (DECI), International Trade Centre (ITC)
Ms. Nan Li Collins
Ms. Nan Li CollinsSenior Director, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UN Trade and Development and Chair, UN Sustainable Stock Exchange Initiative
Ms. Githa Roelans
Ms. Githa RoelansHead of the Multinational Enterprises and Responsible Business Conduct Unit, ILO
Mr. Matthew Stephenson
Mr. Matthew StephensonHead of Investment and Services at the World Economic Forum

#28thWIC Top Highlights

Opening Ceremony

Riyadh — Hosted by WAIPA and INVEST SAUDI , the 28th WAIPA World Investment Conference began with an inspiring opening address by H.E. Khalid A. Al-Falih, Minister of Investment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His speech set the tone for an extraordinary gathering of global investment leaders.
The ceremony featured a powerful keynote by Nivruti Rai, President of WAIPA and Managing Director and CEO of Invest India, followed by a visionary address from Dr. James Zhan, Chair of the Executive Board of the WIC. Closing the ceremony, Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA, reflected on WAIPA’s legacy and outlined its future aspirations.

High-Level Ministerial Roundtable

For the first time in WIC’s history, we hosted the prestigious High-Level Ministerial Roundtable, bringing together 22 ministers and global leaders.

Moderated by Dr. James Zhan, this historic forum emphasized the importance of aligning industrial policy with investment promotion strategies to tackle global challenges such as climate change, technological advancements, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. The event was a testament to the critical role of collaborative leadership in driving transformative economic change.

Panel Discussions 

The 28th WIC showcased a series of dynamic panel discussions that delved into key topics in investment promotion and economic development. Thought leaders and industry experts shared insights on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), leveraging innovation to boost global competitiveness, and fostering sustainable growth through responsible investment practices.

The discussions also underscored the value of regional collaboration, private-sector partnerships, and adaptable policies tailored to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving investment landscape. A strong emphasis was placed on digital transformation and data-driven strategies, ensuring IPAs remain resilient and adaptive in today’s dynamic global economy.

Gala Dinner & IPA Excellence Awards Ceremony

The Gala Dinner at the 28th WAIPA World Investment Conference celebrated the inaugural WAIPA Investment Excellence Awards, recognizing IPAs and their investor partners for outstanding contributions in three key categories.

In the Innovative Use of ICT in Investment Facilitation, Invest India was the winner for the Noida International Airport Project, with Tanzania Investment Centre receiving a Special LDC Award for Keda Tanzania Ceramics, and Invest Shanghai as runner-up for Nine United’s Asia-Pacific headquarters.

In Contribution to Sustainability & Local Linkages, GAFI Egypt won for supporting Haier Egypt Ecological Park, with Special LDC Awards going to Uganda Investment Authority for Nexus Green Limited’s Solar Water Irrigation Project and ANAPI-RDC for RAXIO DATA CENTER DRC; ProInversión Perú was the runner-up for the Salaverry Multipurpose Port Terminal Project.

For Excellence in Investment Facilitation, ANPI Comores won for enabling MidOcean University through the Empowering Education Through Innovation Project, and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) was runner-up for MaiStorage Technology’s Greenfield Project.

The evening concluded with a Special Recognition Award presented to H.E. Ibrahim AlMubarak, CEO of INVEST SAUDI, for his exceptional leadership in hosting this landmark event, which underscored the vital role of IPAs in driving transformative investments globally.

General Assembly 

This year’s General Assembly welcomed 58 distinguished WAIPA members and Business Advisory Board representatives, including Dr. Caroline King, Global Head of Business Development & Corporate Affairs at SAP, and Dr. Trevor Gunn, Vice President of International Affairs at Medtronic.

The discussions emphasized the transformative power of collaboration between IPAs and the business community in achieving investment success. Open dialogue, shared strategies, and a commitment to innovation stood out as cornerstones of progress during this pivotal session.

 

Thematic Focus

Digital Transformation

Sustainability

Economic Cooperation

Conference Tracks

Conference

Massterclass

Governance

Matchmaking

Awards

Program Details

Explore the rich and diverse program of the recently concluded 28th WIC, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, here.

Videos Library 

The 28th WIC was a landmark event that brought together ministers, ambassadors, and global thought leaders to share unparalleled insights and expertise. The conference tackled critical themes, including digital transformation, advanced data analytics, sustainability, and global economic collaboration. From ethical finance and strategic partnerships to cutting-edge innovations in technology and sector-specific opportunities, the discussions offered a comprehensive vision for the future of trade and investment. Watch the video recordings below to relive these inspiring conversations and gain valuable perspectives on shaping tomorrow’s investment landscape.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Sponsors

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Media Partners

About World Investment Conference

Hosted since 1995, the WAIPA World Investment Conference (WIC) is a forum where IPAs convene to address current economic and social issues that may affect global investment flows and other strategic and policy considerations. The Conference includes formal panel presentations, ample networking opportunities and social events for the members. Past panelists include global and business leaders, along with other influencers like economists and members of academia. The topics of the panels are selected based on current events and trends.

For more information check out #WIC page or our previous legacy of WICs here.