The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) is pleased to announce that the WAIPA Steering Committee elections for the term 2025–2027 will be held this autumn, on the 21st October 2025 during the WAIPA World Investment Conference (WIC 2025), in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

The WAIPA Permanent Secretariat invites all eligible member IPAs to submit their official candidacy letters.

About the WAIPA Steering Committee

The Steering Committee is WAIPA’s executive body. Representing all global regions, it plays a vital role in guiding WAIPA’s priorities and global outreach.

The Committee consists of representatives elected by region and serves for a two-year mandate. The positions are institutional, and each elected agency is represented by its top-ranking officer (typically the CEO or Director General).

If you are interested to learn more about the functions, requirements and mandate of the Steering Committee please refer to Chapter V (p.7-10) and Chapter VII (p.12-14) of the WAIPA Statutes.

Structure of the WAIPA Steering Committee

The positions are open for candidacies with conditions and deadlines as instructed in the WAIPA Statutes:

  • Presidency
  • Two Vice-Presidencies
  • Regional Directorships for:
    • Sub-Saharan Africa
    • Middle East and North Africa
    • Central Asia
    • South Asia
    • East Asia and South-East Asia
    • Oceania
    • European Union
    • Eastern Europe
    • North America
    • Central America and the Caribbean
    • South America

How to Submit Your Candidacy

To run for a position on the Steering Committee, please follow the steps below:

1. Prepare the candidacy letter, duly executed by the authorized representative in accordance with the candidate-member’s institutional documents, clearly indicating:

    • The position for which the agency is submitting a candidacy
    • A brief statement expressing the agency’s motivation and readiness to serve
    • Confirmation that the representative (CEO/Director General) will serve as the official representative if elected
    • Any relevant experience or contributions to WAIPA initiatives

2. Send both:

  • A scanned copy of the letter via email
  • The original letter by post to the WAIPA Headquarters in Geneva

Email Submission (Soft Copy):

Mr. Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director, CEO – ismail.ersahin@waipa.org

cc: Mr. Andreas Hora, Deputy Executive Director – andreas.hora@waipa.org

Postal Submission (Original Letter):
Mr. Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director & CEO
World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA)
Maison Internationale de l’Environnement 2 (MIE2)
Chemin de Balexert 9, 1219 Châtelaine, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 796 68 62

3. Deadline:
Letters must be postmarked no later than 21st August 2025 (60 days before the General Assembly), as per the WAIPA Statutes.