Masterclass | 02-05 March 2026 | Geneva, Switzerland

Investment promotion is evolving rapidly. To stay ahead, investment professionals must embrace cutting-edge strategies, digital transformation, and sustainable investment practices.

After successful 2025 edition, the 𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐏𝐀 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 & 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 is returning in 2026 – in close and substantive collaboration with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

This exclusive 4-day certification program tailored for Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), and economic development leaders was created to move beyond theory, directly into practice.

Over an intensive, immersive format, participants are taken through the entire investment lifecycle, working with real-world case studies on sustainability, technology, investor services, and next-generation promotion tools.

𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐏𝐀𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲.

What makes this program unique is its hands-on, peer-driven approach:
🔹 Deep peer learning among senior IPA leaders from around the world
🔹 Curated visits to Geneva’s diplomatic hubs, including direct interactions with senior leaders of global institutions
🔹 Structured group exercises that translate global best practices into national strategies
🔹 Direct exposure to how innovation ecosystems actually function in practice

𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐚, at the crossroads of diplomacy, multilateral institutions, and innovation, the program includes curated engagements with Swiss investment and innovation ecosystems, offering firsthand insight into how R&D, startups, corporates, and public institutions collaborate to attract and retain high-value investment.

Participants will also engage directly with senior leaders and institutions shaping global agendas on investment, trade, sustainability, and development, grounding strategy in real-world policy and practice.

Register Now

DOWNLOAD the Masterclass brochure.

Certification Details

Why Attend?

The WAIPA Global Leadership & Innovation in Investment Promotion Masterclass is designed for senior IPA leaders who need practical answers, not theory.

In a time of tighter capital flows, increased competition for quality investment, and rapid technological change, IPAs must continuously adapt how they attract, facilitate, and retain investors.

This Masterclass provides a focused, hands-on learning experience that connects global best practices with the real operational challenges faced by IPAs today — equipping participants with insights and tools that can be applied immediately within their organizations.

Delivered in close collaboration with UN Trade and Development, the program combines peer learning, expert input, and direct exposure and visits to the global institutions (such as UNCTAD, ILO’s Headquarters) and innovation ecosystems.

What Will You Learn?

Participants will gain practical insights across the entire investment lifecycle, including:

  • How to strengthen investment attraction, retention, and aftercare strategies

  • How technology and innovation are reshaping investment promotion and investor services

  • How to integrate sustainability and impact considerations into IPA strategies

  • How to improve investor targeting, facilitation, and policy advocacy

  • How to translate global trends and best practices into actionable national strategies

The focus throughout is on application, not concepts, ensuring participants leave with concrete takeaways for their daily work.

Program

The four-day Masterclass combines expert-led sessions, peer exchange, site visits, and hands-on group work.

Program highlights include:

  • Interactive sessions covering investment promotion strategy, innovation, sustainability, and investor services

  • Case-based discussions reflecting real IPA challenges and decision-making

  • Peer-to-peer learning among senior IPA leaders from diverse regions

  • Structured group exercises translating insights into practical strategies

  • Curated engagements with Geneva-based multilateral institutions

  • Exposure to Switzerland’s innovation and investment ecosystem, including how public and private actors collaborate to attract high-value investment

The program is intentionally designed as executive-level and highly interactive, with limited participants to ensure depth and quality of engagement.

To see all sessions and topics, please download the Masterclass Agenda.

Who Should Attend?

This Masterclass is designed for:

  • Heads and senior executives of Investment Promotion Agencies

  • Directors and senior managers responsible for strategy, investor services, policy advocacy, or innovation

  • IPA leaders seeking practical tools, peer exchange, and global perspective

  • Decision-makers responsible for shaping national or regional investment promotion strategies

Logistics

  • Location: Geneva, Switzerland, MIE2
  • Dates: 2–5 March 2026
  • Format: In-person, executive-level, highly interactive
  • Language: English
  • Application deadline: 28 February 2026
  • Price: WAIPA Members: $2,000; Non-Members: $3,000
  • Contact: For any questions, you may kindly get in touch with Mr. Dushyant Thakor at [email protected] and Ms. Eva Salamon Kaplan at [email protected]
  • Travel, Visa & Accommodation: Participants must cover and arrange their travel between their home country and the course venue as well as lodging, this is not included in the tuition fee. Furthermore, no emergency medical insurance is provided. Participants must ensure that they have a valid passport and appropriate visa for travel to the respective country.

The Masterclass is open to all agencies from around the world, with a reduced registration fee for WAIPA members.