As a unique international policy and research hub, UNCTAD is delighted to announce the Academic Research Conference on Investment in Sustainable Development at WIF 2023, organized in partnership with IHEID, UNU-WIDER, and CEPR. The conference will be held on the 17-18 October 2023 in Abu Dhabi (UAE).
The WIF 2023 Academic Research Conference aims to provide a platform for discussions, as well as to integrate research and ideas from leading scholars, researchers, executives from global companies and senior policymakers. The conference will consist of several thematic sessions over 2 days, a high-level opening session, and a forward-looking closing panel. Leading scholars will run the discussions in core sessions of the WIF, with the objective of creating synergies between academics, and the multi-stakeholder community.
We welcome applications from economists, finance experts, political scientists, international business scholars working on theoretical and empirical areas related to the topic of “Investment in Sustainable Development”. Work on a wide range of investment and development-related topics is welcome. These include, but are not limited to:
- Investment in the energy transition
- Debt and climate change
- FDI and women empowerment
- Investment and food security
- Inequality and growth
Contributions from emerging scholars who are underrepresented in these fields are highly encouraged. Selected funding (for travel) for scholars without other sources of funding will be possibly available.
Since the first WIF in 2008, the World Investment Forum has become the largest global platform for high-level dialogue and action on investment for development and now encompasses more than 100 events on topics spanning the full sustainable investment value chain, from green finance in capital markets to on-the-ground investment facilitation. The last WIF held in 2021 which gathered more than 8,000 participants from 177 countries, also featured a multifaceted academic track. The 2021 edition provided a platform for active interaction among key stakeholders including senior policymakers, academics, CEOs of global companies, heads of investment promotion agencies, and representatives of civil society.
Application Procedure:
To submit a paper, please send an extended abstract (or a full paper) by 30 April 2023 by email to wif_academicconf@unctad.org. All proposals will be acknowledged automatically right away (do check your spam filter). Abstracts should be max. 1.500 words, fit one of the above topics and identify 5 keywords that define the topic of the contribution.
The decision of including contributions for presentation at the conference will be taken by the WIF 2023 Scientific Committee and communicated to the contributing authors by Mid-June. Final contributions will be due by 16 August 2023.
Should you have any questions about the conference, please contact Amelia Santos Paulino (amelia.santos-paulino@unctad.org) or Elisa Navarra (elisa.navarra@unctad.org).
We look forward to seeing you in Abu-Dhabi in October 2023!