16th-20th October 2023
9:30 am – 05:00 pm (UAE)
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
Join MDX Dubai at the UNCTAD World Investment Forum
Middlesex University Dubai is proud to be supporting the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development World Investment Forum 2023 in Abu Dhabi, UAE as an official Academic Partner. This year's event will include focused tracks and sessions on topics such as green investments in sustainable development, sustainable infrastructure, FDI and energy transition, and international business policy in sustainable growth.
The UNCTAD World Investment Forum 2023 will be jam-packed with insightful events, impactful initiatives, and innovative solutions to global investment-for-development challenges. The forum will aim to address key investment challenges caused by today’s multiple global crises, including the need to invest in food security, energy, health, supply chain resilience and productive capacity growth in the poorest countries – all under the established WIF theme of Investing in Sustainable Development.
As the Academic Partner, Middlesex is hosting several panel discussions and fireside chats as part of the event. Read on to learn more, and sign up to let us know you’re attending!
Meet us at the World investment Forum
ABOUT UNCTAD WORLD INVESTMENT FORUM
The UNCTAD World Investment Forum is a biennial multi-stakeholder event that brings together global leaders, including Head of States, CEOs, ministers, and heads of international organisations, with the goal to facilitate dialogue and action on the world's current and emerging investment-development challenges. The forum will address key investment challenges caused by today’s multiple global crises, including the need to invest in food security, energy, health, supply chain resilience and productive capacity growth in the poorest countries – all under the established WIF theme of Investing in Sustainable Development.The conference is recognised by governments and business leaders
Panel Discussion
Alignment of Investment in sustainable infrastructure with the Paris Agreement: Private Sector Experiences from the UAE
18 October
8.30am – 10.00am
Middlesex University Dubai Senior Law Lecturers and industry professionals will discuss how developing nations overcome hurdles in aligning their sustainable investments with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
They will look at challenges including technological gaps, access to funding, policy limitations and governance concerns, and dive into the UAE as a standout example, showcasing how the country has overcome its own obstacles in their Net Zero by 2050 initiative.
The UAE's experience highlights the opportunity to enhance technological capabilities, innovate financing methods, and partner with global climate funds to address these challenges and promote collective climate action and sustainable development.
Throughout the discussion, they will touch on the key themes of technological capacity, access to funding, and governance and regulation.
Details can be found here: https://worldinvestmentforum.unctad.org/session/alignment-investment-sustainable-infrastructure-paris-agreement
Speakers
Yasmin Sebah
Senior Law Lecturer, Middlesex University Dubai
Olivier Schwarts
Vice President and Group Legal Officer, DP World
Sarah Pirzada
Global Head of Sustainable, Asset and Project Finance – Global Corporate Finance, First Abu Dhabi Bank
Martin Reynolds
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Zero Carbon Ventures
MODERATOR
Mahine Ahmad
Senior Law Lecturer, Middlesex University Dubai
ACADEMIC TRACK SESSION II
International Business: International Business Policy for Sustainable Growth and Environmental Challenges
18 October - 9:30am
Middlesex University Dubai’s Head of the Institute of Sustainability, Andrew Mackenzie will be a panel guest at the World Investment Forum in Abu Dhabi this October 18th. The academic track will discuss International Business and Environmental Challenges, Policy for Sustainable Growth and Green Finance and Inclusion.
Details can be found here: https://worldinvestmentforum.unctad.org/session/academic-track-session-ii
Andrew Mackenzie
Senior Lecturer, Head of Institute of Sustainable Development
ACADEMIC TRACK SESSION III
International Economics and Development: Investing in Sustainable Development, FDI and Energy Transition
18 October – 3pm
In this session, Yasmin Sebah, Senior Law Lecturer, with other leading academics and practitioners will provide research insights and views on how trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) can significantly contribute to the economic development of receiving countries and how FDI-related technological transfers help address climate and environmental issues, among other topics.
Panel in partnership with AIB, Graduate Institute-CFD, CEPR, NYU, UNU-WIDER, SIEL, CCS
Details can be found here: https://worldinvestmentforum.unctad.org/session/academic-track-session-iii
Yasmin Sebah
Senior Law Lecturer, Middlesex University Dubai
ACADEMIC TRACK CLOSING SESSION
19 October – 4.30pm – 6.00pm
Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Director of MDX Dubai and Pro-Vice Chancellor, will participate as a speaker at the closing session of the Academic Track of the Forum, featuring discussions among leading scholars who will explore synergies between academia and the multi-stakeholder community, share the latest research emerging in the field, and shape the future research agenda on investment for development.
Details can be found here: https://worldinvestmentforum.unctad.org/session/academic-track-closing
Professor Cedwyn Fernandes
Pro-Vice Chancellor, Director
FIRESIDE CHAT
The Investment for Development Research Square - Fireside Chat on Investment and COP28
20 October – 9am
Dr. Sreejith Balasubramanian, Associate Professor, Chair -Office of Research, Head of the Centre for Supply Chain Excellence at Middlesex University Dubai will hold an informative discussion with Adèle Guidot, Programme leader at UN Global Compact Network UAE.
This discussion will explore the pivotal role businesses play in shaping climate policies and action narratives, particularly in the context of the UAE. The conversation will delve into the current climate challenges faced by the region and the collective efforts of businesses in aligning their operations and strategies with COP28 resolutions.
Details can be found here: https://worldinvestmentforum.unctad.org/session/investment-development-research-square-3
Dr Sreejuth Balasubramanian
Associate Professor, Chair, Office of Research, Head & Founder: Centre for Supply Chain Excellence