United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for stronger global efforts to direct investment toward developing countries, warning that only a fraction of capital flowing into transformative industries is reaching the world’s least-developed and lower-middle-income economies.
In a message to the Ninth Annual World Investment Forum in Doha, Guterres said the forum’s theme, “Investing for the Future,” reflected the idea that investment represents confidence in the possibility of a better future.
He pointed to artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy, advanced technologies and critical minerals as sectors expected to reshape economies and global production. Together, these industries account for almost half of new global greenfield investment, according to the statement.
However, Guterres said investment remains unevenly distributed, with developing economies receiving only a limited share of financing in sectors that could significantly advance sustainable development.
“With demand for capital intensifying around the world,” he said, the forum provides an opportunity for governments, investors, businesses and development partners to develop partnerships capable of narrowing the investment divide.
The Secretary-General urged the private sector to expand investment in developing countries, particularly in renewable energy, technology and critical minerals. Such investment, he said, should create value that is broadly shared by local communities rather than benefiting investors alone.
Guterres also highlighted the importance of implementing commitments made through last year’s Sevilla Commitment, which seeks to increase global investment and expand development financing on a large scale.
He called on participants to demonstrate ambition, solidarity and cooperation in translating rapid technological change into broad-based prosperity.
“May this Forum summon the ambition, solidarity and partnerships needed to turn this moment of technological possibility into an era of prosperity for all,” Guterres said, wishing delegates a successful conference.
