The Maldives is set to host two major international forums focused on business, investment and sustainable economic development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), bringing more than 200 delegates from over 30 countries to Malé from 23 to 25 August 2026. The SIDS Global Business Network Forum 2026 and the Island Investment Forum will be held at Barceló Nasandhura Malé, placing the Maldives at the centre of international discussions on investment, private-sector development and economic opportunities for island nations.
The Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade announced that the forums will bring together representatives of governments, businesses, investors, development partners, donors, civil society organisations and other stakeholders with an interest in advancing the economic development of small island nations. The gatherings are expected to create an important international platform for exchanging experience, strengthening commercial relationships and connecting development priorities with potential sources of investment and financing.
The events are being jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, 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 (UN-OHRLLS). The involvement of national governments and the United Nations reflects the international importance being placed on creating stronger economic partnerships for countries that face the distinctive geographical and structural challenges associated with being small island states.
Hosting the forums follows initiatives advanced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in 2024, where he called for stronger international cooperation, improved access to financial resources and expanded global partnerships to support sustainable development in SIDS. President Muizzu served as a Vice President of the conference and chaired plenary sessions, while the Maldives participated in panel discussions, organised side events and co-chaired the preparatory committee.
The decision to host the 2026 gatherings in Malé further reflects the Government’s efforts to position the Maldives as an active contributor to international discussions concerning the economic future of small island nations. For the Maldives, the forums will also provide an opportunity to demonstrate how a geographically dispersed island country can pursue economic development while addressing issues including climate vulnerability, infrastructure requirements, energy transition and environmental sustainability.
Established in 2014, the SIDS Global Business Network Forum is held biennially and is intended to broaden the participation of businesses, investors, donors, development partners and civil society organisations in addressing the economic and trade challenges facing Small Island Developing States. The forum encourages greater private-sector involvement in development and provides a platform through which island economies can communicate their priorities directly to international investors and potential partners.
The Island Investment Forum will be introduced this year under the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (ABAS). It is intended to identify commercially viable opportunities, attract investment and develop partnerships capable of supporting sustainable economic growth. Its launch alongside the Global Business Network Forum is expected to strengthen connections between policy discussions and practical investment opportunities, allowing participating countries to present projects, economic sectors and development priorities to a diverse international audience.
The Maldives will use the gathering to showcase its development achievements and investment potential across major sectors including tourism, fisheries, renewable energy and environmental protection. These areas remain central to the country’s economic development strategy and provide significant opportunities for international cooperation, innovation, technology transfer and sustainable investment. Presenting these sectors before a large group of international delegates will also provide Maldivian businesses and institutions with greater exposure to potential investors and development partners.
Tourism is expected to be particularly important in presenting the Maldives’ economic experience to international participants. The country has developed one of the world’s most internationally recognised island tourism industries, with its resort sector supporting employment, foreign investment, international connectivity and a wide range of related businesses and services. The Maldivian tourism model also provides relevant experience for other island nations seeking to develop high-value visitor economies while protecting the natural environments upon which their tourism industries depend.
The selection of Barceló Nasandhura Malé as the venue gives the international gathering a contemporary hospitality and business setting in the capital. Holding the forums at a major hotel in Malé will provide delegates with a central environment for official sessions, business discussions, investor engagement and networking throughout the three-day programme. It also gives visiting participants an opportunity to experience the Maldives beyond its internationally renowned island resorts and observe Malé’s role as the country’s administrative, commercial and business centre.
The presence of more than 200 delegates from over 30 countries is expected to strengthen Malé’s profile as a destination capable of hosting significant international business and development gatherings. The forums will bring global investors, decision-makers and development stakeholders directly to the Maldives, providing opportunities for participants to establish professional connections while gaining first-hand exposure to the country’s economic progress, investment environment and development priorities.
For the Government of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, hosting the forums reinforces the Maldives’ continuing international advocacy for practical solutions that reflect the circumstances of Small Island Developing States. By bringing governments, investors, businesses and development partners together in Malé, the country will have an opportunity to contribute to shaping stronger commercial partnerships and new investment pathways while presenting the Maldives as a confident, internationally engaged island economy with considerable potential for sustainable growth.
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