- The Maldives will host the SIDS Global Business Network Forum 2026 and the inaugural Island Investment Forum from 23-25 August, drawing over 200 participants from more than 30 countries.
- The forums aim to connect Small Island Developing States with investors, showcasing Maldivian opportunities in tourism, fisheries, renewable energy and conservation.
- Co-organised with Antigua and Barbuda and a UN office, the events follow the 2024 Antigua and Barbuda Agenda and the Maldives' role at the fourth SIDS conference.
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The Maldives will host two international forums this weekend aimed at connecting Small Island Developing States with investors, businesses and development partners.
The SIDS Global Business Network Forum 2026 and the inaugural Island Investment Forum will take place from 23 to 25 August at Barceló Nasandhura Malé Hotel. More than 200 participants from over 30 countries are expected to attend.
The events are being co-organised by the Maldivian Government, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, and the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade are organising the forums on behalf of the government.
The gathering will bring together government representatives, businesses, investors, civil society organisations and researchers to examine investment barriers, financing needs and economic opportunities facing island states.
For the Maldives, the forums offer a platform to present investment opportunities and promote local expertise in areas including tourism, fisheries, renewable energy and conservation. State Minister for Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Thariq Ahmed said the event could help connect priority domestic projects with potential investors.
The SIDS Global Business Network Forum has been held every two years since the third International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Samoa in 2014. This year’s edition marks its 10th anniversary and is the first to be held following the adoption of the 10-year Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States in 2024.
The Island Investment Forum, established under that agenda, will be held for the first time. It is intended to identify investable opportunities across SIDS, assess obstacles faced by investors and explore ways to improve access to financing.
The Maldives was invited to host the forums following its role at the fourth SIDS conference in Antigua and Barbuda, where President Dr Mohamed Muizzu called for stronger cooperation and increased financing for sustainable development in island states.
