The Maldives is set to host the SIDS Global Business Network Forum 2026 from 23 to 25 August, bringing together governments, investors, businesses, entrepreneurs and development partners from across the international community to strengthen cooperation and explore investment opportunities supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The three-day international forum will provide an important platform for stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to advancing sustainable and resilient development across island economies. The programme is expected to bring together representatives from governments, the private sector, civil society, development institutions, investors and entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for dialogue on innovative and inclusive partnerships that can respond to the distinctive economic, environmental and development priorities faced by SIDS.
The event will also mark the launch of the Island Investment Forum, a new platform established under the Small Island Developing States Centre of Excellence. The initiative is designed to strengthen connections between national development priorities, investable projects and prospective financing, allowing island states to present opportunities directly to investors, businesses and development partners capable of supporting their implementation.
Operating alongside the SIDS Global Business Network Forum, the Island Investment Forum will introduce a dedicated investment-focused dimension to the programme. It will provide opportunities for participating countries and organisations to showcase projects, engage with prospective partners and financiers, and pursue follow-up discussions on potential investments and partnerships. An associated marketplace will further support direct engagement between project proponents and potential investors, helping to translate discussions into practical avenues for cooperation.
Hosting the forum further strengthens the Maldives’ growing role in advancing international dialogue on the development priorities of island nations. As a Small Island Developing State with an economy closely connected to tourism, infrastructure, connectivity, environmental resilience and sustainable development, the Maldives offers a relevant setting for discussions on how investment and international partnerships can support long-term prosperity in island economies.
The Maldives has continued to place significant emphasis on attracting investment, strengthening economic resilience and expanding opportunities for sustainable development. Its internationally recognised tourism sector, established investment environment and experience in developing high-value island destinations provide valuable context for discussions on how SIDS can mobilise private-sector participation while pursuing national development priorities.
The country’s tourism industry has developed into one of the world’s most distinctive island-based hospitality sectors, supported by a broad network of resorts, hotels, guesthouses and related service industries. Resort development across the Maldives has contributed to employment, infrastructure expansion, international connectivity and wider economic activity, while continuing to attract investment from both domestic and international businesses. This experience provides the Maldives with a strong practical perspective on the role that well-structured investment can play in transforming geographically dispersed island economies.
Maldivian resorts have also become an important part of the country’s international economic profile, demonstrating how individual islands can be developed into globally competitive destinations supported by modern infrastructure, high-quality hospitality services and strong international market positioning. The wider tourism sector has generated opportunities across transport, construction, fisheries, agriculture, logistics, digital services and local supply chains, illustrating the broader economic impact that targeted investment can create in a small island context.
Against this background, the forthcoming forums are expected to provide participating SIDS with opportunities to present investable projects across sectors relevant to their national development agendas and engage directly with international businesses and financing institutions. By connecting government priorities with private capital, development expertise and commercial partnerships, the combined platform is intended to support projects capable of delivering sustainable economic and social benefits.
The forums will also support implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, which outlines development priorities for Small Island Developing States. Bringing business engagement, investment discussions, project presentations and partnership-building activities together within a single international platform is intended to provide a more practical pathway for advancing projects and initiatives that respond to the needs of SIDS economies.
The Government of Maldives’ role in hosting the event reflects the country’s continued commitment to constructive international engagement and greater cooperation among Small Island Developing States. The gathering will also provide the Maldives with an opportunity to share its development experience while strengthening relationships with governments, investors, businesses and international development institutions.
The SIDS Global Business Network Forum 2026 is being organised by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, in collaboration with the Governments of the Maldives and Antigua and Barbuda.
Registration has been opened for both the main forum and the related marketplace, allowing interested stakeholders to participate in the discussions, investment engagement and partnership opportunities scheduled to take place in the Maldives from 23 to 25 August 2026.
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