Around 800 investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and business leaders are set to take part in the sixth edition of the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF), which kicks off today.
The event is being held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, at Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) today and tomorrow.
“WEIF 2026 responds to the urgent call to close the $4 trillion annual financing gap for the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” organisers said in a statement.
“It will bring together global leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and development partners to co-create solutions that empower communities and build resilience in the face of global disruptions.
“With a renewed emphasis on entrepreneurship as a catalyst for innovation and economic resilience, WEIF 2026 will host high-level panels, targeted matchmaking sessions and impactful side events.
“The forum will also reinforce its dedication to inclusive and sustainable development, highlighting initiatives that empower youth, women, persons with disabilities, and promote social protection systems.
“Special attention will be given to the Arab and African regions, showcasing regional success stories and fostering cross-border collaboration.”
The event is being organised by the UN Industrial Development Organisation’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office (Unido-ITPO) since 2015. This year, WEIF is being held in partnership with the Arab League, Industry and Commerce Ministry, Arab Chambers Union and Bahrain Chamber, alongside a network of local, regional and international partners.
The theme of WEIF 2026 is ‘Achieving the SDGs through Empowering Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Mobilising Capital for Resilient Communities’, with a strong focus on sustainable development, artificial intelligence (AI) and green growth.
Unido-ITPO Bahrain head Dr Hashim Hussein will deliver the opening remarks, alongside Union of Arab Chambers secretary-general Dr Khaled Hanafy and a statement by UN secretary-general António Guterres, delivered by UN resident co-ordinator in Bahrain Khaled El Mekwad.
There will also be keynote speeches by Unido director-general Gerd Müller, Arab League secretary-general Dr Ahmed Abu El Gheit and Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro.
Unido is expected to make joint declarations this morning with the Industry and Commerce Ministry, as well as with the Regional Network for Social Responsibility.
The first high-level plenary session, focused on ‘Igniting Innovation, Empowering Entrepreneurs, and Driving Global Impact’ will feature International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation trustees board chairman Shaikh Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Arab Chambers Union secretary-general Dr Khaled Hanafy and Dr Hussein.
There will also be two panels this afternoon – the first focused on Islamic banking and finance, and the second on women-led innovation.
Topics discussed during the forum will include enabling investment ecosystems, leveraging the tri-economy by investing in green, blue, and orange sectors, empowering women and youth in post-conflict areas, entrepreneurship education and research, and AI.
The ‘tri-economy’ refers to a sustainable development framework that combines three distinct pillars of economic growth – creative industries (orange), marine and water resources (blue), and environmentally sustainable practices (green). This framework aims to shift from purely industrial growth towards a sustainable, diverse and knowledge-based economy.
The forum will also have an ‘Entrepreneurs Smart Zone’, showcasing startups, smart solutions, environmentally conscious innovations and cutting-edge digital tools across key sectors including the green economy, blue economy, creative industries, digital technologies and more. The Smart Zone will connect these entrepreneurs with potential partners, investors and global markets.
Alongside WEIF, the three-day 18th annual conference of the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) foundation has been highlighting the experiences of successful businesswomen and other international thought leaders.
The IWEC conference started on Sunday and will conclude today at EWB.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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