24 March 2014 pm World Investment Forum 2014 Investing in Sustainable Development Geneva, Switzerland 13-16 October Provisional Programme The UNCTAD World Investment Forum is a high-level, biennial, multi-stakeholder gathering designed to facilitate dialogue and action on the world's key and emerging investment-related challenges. It is recognized by governments and business leaders as the most important event for the international investment community, providing an opportunity and platform to interact with global leaders, senior policy makers, market regulators, stock exchange executives, investment promotion agencies, investment treaty negotiators, law makers, private investors, corporate executives, sovereign wealth fund managers, academia, and civil society leaders from countries around the world. The role of UNCTAD as the focal point of the United Nations system for all matters related to investment and enterprise development, uniquely positions the WIF as the appropriate forum for successful partnership initiatives. Confirmed partners include The World Bank Group, the International Labour Organization, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations Global Compact, the International Organization of Security Commissions, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the International Fund for Agriculture Development, the United Nations Environment Programme, the UN Regional Commissions, business associations (led by the International Chamber of Commerce and the World Federation of Exchanges), academic institutions (including the Academy of International Business, Columbia University s Earth Institute, and the Geneva Graduate Institute), and other important actors such as the World Economic Forum. Following the success of previous events held in Ghana (2008), China (2010) and Qatar (2012), which gathered thousands of participants, the 2014 Forum will again serve as a global platform for inclusive dialogue and policy formulation on investment-development challenges at the highest level. The 2014 Forum will discuss investment needs, opportunities and strategies to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 1
Monday 13 October 18.00-19.00 Grand Opening and Welcome Cocktail 19.00 21.00 Presentation of the Investment Promotion Awards 2014 Tuesday 14 October World Leaders Investment Summit I Investing in Sustainable Development: Vision and Roadmap 13.00-15.00 I. Leaders luncheon: 11th Meeting of the Investment Advisory Council (with ICC) Poverty Alleviation in the Poorest Countries II. Investment stakeholders networking luncheons: Private Sector Solutions for the SDGs Sustainable Stock Exchanges Global Dialogue (with Global Compact, UNEP- FI and PRI) Capital Markets for Sustainable Development Mega Cities Roundtable (with WEF and the Earth Institute) Sustainable Urban Development Partner Events Investment, Tax and Development (with UNDESA) Business and Human Rights (with OHCHR) Investment and Extractive Industries Dialogue on Investment and Gender 18.00-21.30 Geneva City & Canton Reception Wednesday 15 October World Leaders Investment Summit II Investment Policies and Development Strategies 13.00-15.00 I. World Leaders Investment Summit Working Luncheon II. Investment stakeholders networking luncheons: Private Sector Solutions for Sustainable Development 13.00-18.00 Multi-disciplinary Academic Conference (with AIB and GGI) Setting a New Policy Research and Analysis Agenda Investment Promotion Conference (with WEF and UNEP-FI) Invest in Green Growth and Infrastructure High-level Roundtable Making Value Chains Work for the Poor Inter-Regional Dialogue Investment and Regional Integration Partner Events Capital markets and economic growth (with IOSCO) Investing in Education Investing for Sustainable Development: the Policy and Regulatory Perspective 18.00-21.30 Gala Cocktail Presentation of the Woman in Business Awards 2014 Thursday 16 October 09.00-13.00 International Investment Agreements Conference: Reforming the IIA Regime Tripartite Dialogue with Sovereign Investors Promoting Long-Term Investment in Development High-level Forum (with OHRLLS) Investment in Landlocked Developing Countries Roundtable on Building Accounting for Development International Standard on Accounting and Reporting Developing Country Showcase Talking business Inter-Agency Initiative (with the World Bank, FAO and IFAD) Principles for Responsible Agricultural Investment Business School Network Event Investing in the poor Partner Events Private Sustainability Finance (with Global Compact and PRI) Investment and Decent Work (with ILO) Public Health and Investment in Pharmaceutical Production in Developing Countries: Myths and Realities (with WHO and UNIDO) 13.00-15.00 Networking and Investment Promotion Initiatives Ministerial Roundtable Financing for the Sustainable Development Goals 18.30-21.00 Closing Ceremony and Presentation by the Host of the forthcoming World Investment Forum 2
18.00-19.00 Grand Opening and Welcome Cocktail Monday, 13 October 2014 The Opening Ceremony will take place in the presence of the highest level representation from the host country, Switzerland, UNCTAD member States, the global business community, as well as the United Nations and other organizations. 19.00-21.00 Presentation of the Investment Promotion Awards 2014 to honour the world s best agencies in promoting investment for sustainable development. Tuesday, 14 October 2014 World Leaders Investment Summit I Investing in Sustainable Development: Vision and Roadmap The Summit convenes Heads of State and Government and CEOs of global companies to discuss the role of investment in achieving sustainable development. State leaders will share their views on the main challenges policy makers face when channeling investment towards sustainable development, while the world s leading business executives will present the corporate perspective on the role of the private sector in this endeavour. The Summit will provide participants with a rich, solutions-oriented discussion, drawing on the insights of the leaders present. What are the policy challenges, trade-offs and constraints for channeling private investment into the SDG sectors? What are the factors that shape the role of the public and private sector in the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive growth? What are the global policy imperatives in this context and how best can these be translated at the national and regional level? 13.00-15.00 I. Leaders luncheon: 11 th Meeting of the Investment Advisory Council Poverty Alleviation in the Poorest Countries The Investment Advisory Council, a joint initiative by UNCTAD and the International Chamber of Commerce, offers a platform for Heads of State and government, CEOs of global companies, as well as heads of international organizations to discuss poverty reduction initiatives. 3
II. Investment stakeholders networking luncheons: Private Sector Solutions for the SDGs A series of interactive presentations by global companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on corporate best practice to deliver the SDGs. Sustainable Stock Exchanges Global Dialogue Capital Markets for Sustainable Development The 2014 Global Dialogue of the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative convenes securities regulators, stock exchange executives, institutional investors, CEOs and ministers to identify ways to harness capital markets for sustainable development. A joint UN initiative co-organized by UNCTAD, the UN Global Compact, the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment and the UNEP Finance Initiative. What role can stock exchanges, regulators and investors play to improve the environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance of companies? What are the experiences of listed companies relating to promoting ESG? What are the main challenges for taking this agenda forward? Following on developments since the 2012 Sustainable Stock Exchanges Dialogue, how can momentum be maintained over the next twelve months? How can exchanges and other capital market participants contribute to the financing of the Sustainable Development Goals? What next steps can be taken by regulators, investors, ministers and stock exchanges collectively? Mega Cities Roundtable Sustainable Urban Development City mayors and urban design innovators in a discussion on the most promising investment initiatives and policy practice for building sustainable cities. This event is organized by the Earth Institute, led by Jeffrey Sachs, and the World Economic Forum in collaboration with UNCTAD. What role for private investment in addressing pressing challenges faced by mega cities, including to uplift the urban poor? What governance structure, including for foreign investment, will create more inclusive cities? How best can the private sector contribute to the maintenance and sustainable development of mega cities? 4
Partner Events organized by partner organizations, in collaboration with UNCTAD Investment, Tax and Development (in partnership with UN DESA) Business and Human Rights (in partnership with the OHCHR) Investment and Extractive Industries Dialogue on Investment and Gender A moderated, interactive dialogue between international experts and practitioners on the theme of investment by transnational corporations (TNCs) and its contribution to advance gender equity and strengthen women's participation in commercial enterprise in developing countries. What are the gender-related effects and implications of investment by TNCs in developing countries, both positive and negative? What are the broader economic and social dimensions and implications? Which strategies by TNCs have proven effective in raising women's empowerment in developing countries? What factors have contributed to this? How can issues of women equality, empowerment and sustainable beneficial outcomes best be integrated in FDI policies? 18.00-21.30 Geneva City & Canton Reception Wednesday, 15 October 2014 World Leaders Investment Summit II Investment Policies and Development Strategies Heads of States deliberate with Nobel laureates and private sector innovators on optimal ways to channel diverse policy strands towards a common objective: achieving the SDGs. How can the linkages between industrial, investment and development strategies be optimally leveraged in pursuit of the SDGs? How can public and private actors optimize synergies in pursuing SDG strategies? 5
What are the policy gaps and how can they be optimally addressed at the national, regional and global level? 13.00-15.00 I. World Leaders Investment Summit Working Luncheon A brainstorming luncheon on investment-for-development solutions (by invitation only) From voluntary action to mandatory standards? Assessing the evolution of the global corporate social governance system. Public and private sector engagement on sustainability concerns: how to create the right balance? II. Investment stakeholders networking luncheons: Private Sector Solutions for Sustainable Development A series of interactive presentations by private sector innovators on corporate best practice in response to global sustainability challenges. Investment Promotion Conference Invest in Green Growth and Infrastructure Heads of investment promotion agencies, investment location experts and CEOs discuss opportunities for green investment and consider policy options to capture new types of investment for sustainable development. Co-organized with the United Nations Environment Programme Financial Initiative and the World Economic Forum. What national and international innovative options are available for financing infrastructure in developing countries? How can governments and IPAs prioritize strategic green infrastructure projects (new vs. upgrading)? What is the role of FDI? What can banks and outward investment agencies do to foster opportunities in green/greening of infrastructure through innovative financing and risk mitigation? High-level Roundtable Making Value Chains Work for the Poor 6
Experts discuss how best to promote inclusive and sustainable value chains as a means to empower small enterprises. The dialogue will also explore options to formalize the informal economy and strategies to mainstream women, youth and minority interests. Linking local SMEs and communities to global value chains: what policy options? Sustainable value chains and global competition how to maintain a level playing field? How can women entrepreneurs be better integrated into sustainable value chains? Inter-Regional Dialogue Investment and Regional Integration Leaders from regional economic groupings and banks, and analysts exchange experience and lessons learned on regional development through investment, and explore synergies between regions. Hosted in collaboration with regional organizations. How has regional integration in different parts of the world influenced corporate investment strategies and shaped regional value chains; and how did they in turn strengthen regional integration? How do global/regional value chains affect and shape regional economic integration efforts? What mechanisms can be adopted at the multilateral level to facilitate the exchange of experience and lessons learned among regional groupings? Partner Events organized by partner organizations, in collaboration with UNCTAD: Capital markets and economic growth (in cooperation with the International Organization of Securities Commission) Investing in Education Investing for Sustainable Development: the Policy and Regulatory Perspective (in partnership with the Inter Parliamentary Union) (tbc) What policy and regulatory frameworks, and incentives, can open channels of private finance for delivering social and environmental benefits over and above financial returns? 7
What are the key elements of successful partnerships between the public sector, private sector and foundations to mobilize private finance for sustainability? How can each of these stakeholders leverage their unique characteristics for most value added? How can private actors include goal setting practices covering sustainability targets? How can impact be measured and reported? 13.00-18.00 Multi-disciplinary Academic Dialogue and Conference Setting a New Policy Research and Analysis Agenda Organized in cooperation with academic partners, including the Academy of International Business (AIB) and the Geneva Graduate Institute (GGI), the conference will take the form of a multidisciplinary dialogue to set the research agenda for future sustainable development policies, encompassing international business strategies, investment policies and development economics. How can a multi-disciplinary approach to research and analysis on SDGs especially investment in SDGs lead to more fruitful results and policy outcomes? What are the methodological implications for such an approach? What sort of institutional frameworks are required to further such research and analysis? Which themes and topics best lend themselves to such research and analysis; which should be prioritized and why? (Defining the research framework) What next? Practical steps to build on the dialogue, involve key stakeholders and put multidisciplinary research and analysis on investment for development into action. 18.00-21.30 Gala Cocktail Presentation of the Empretec Woman in Business Awards 2014 to honour exceptional women-owned businesses, identified by UNCTAD's programme for the promotion of entrepreneurship and business development that operates in 33 developing countries. Thursday, 16 October 2014 09.00-13.00 International Investment Agreements Conference Reforming the IIA Regime Join IIA negotiators, investment practitioners, legal scholars, and representatives from civil society and the private sector to discuss reform options to better align the IIA regime with the sustainable development agenda. 8
What are the options available for Governments to reform the IIA regime? And the Investor- State Dispute Settlement system? What are the reform opportunities arising from the expiration of earlier BITs and current trends of negotiating 'mega-regionals'? How can UNCTAD and its Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development, support countries in their efforts to reform and refine this already significant body of law? Tripartite Dialogue with Sovereign Investors Promoting Long-Term Investment in Development Leading SWF and pension fund executives as well as investment experts explore appropriate policy measures, both at the international and national levels, to maximize SWF-led investment and actions to advance the sustainable development agenda. What opportunities do sovereign investors see in underdeveloped regions and what challenges do they face in investing in sustainable development? What schemes and investment tools could contribute to improving the risk-benefit matrix of investment in developing regions? What can prospective host countries do to promote and facilitate the participation of SWFs and pension funds in investment projects for sustainable development? High-level Forum Investment in Landlocked Developing Countries LLDC ministers, transnational corporation executives, heads of investment promotion agencies and international investment experts in a dialogue on strategies to increase investment flows to LLDCs. (Organized in collaboration with the OHRLLS). What strategies for LLDC Governments to direct FDI to growth and labour-intensive sectors? Can the 2013 Bali Agreement on trade facilitation help unlock greater FDI flows to LLDCs? Accelerating investment flows to LLDCs: can regional integration be a game changer? Roundtable on Building Accounting for Development 9
International Standards on Accounting and Reporting Ministers, heads of development aid agencies, accounting policy makers and private sector CEOs in a session on the contribution of accounting and corporate reporting standards to investment and economic development. Opportunities and challenges of accounting practices: what implications for the sustainability agenda? National accounting infrastructure and internationally-agreed standards: how to achieve convergence? Developing Country Showcase Talking business Top officials showcase investment opportunities in their countries a chance for business to explore new investment horizons. Country-specific investment policy reviews and investment guides will be available at these events. Inter-Agency Initiative Principles for Responsible Agricultural Investment UNCTAD, FAO, IFAD and the World Bank jointly developed a set of Principles for Responsible Agricultural Investment that respects rights, livelihoods and resources. The seven Principles cover all types of investment in agriculture, including business models with close linkages between investors and contract farmers. The Principles have been endorsed by the G20 and the UN General Assembly and piloted in many developing countries, notably in Africa and Asia. The event will present an update of this important initiative and elaborate on its potential contribution to the Post- 2015 Development Agenda. How can corporate investment in agriculture best contribute to the SDGs? What are the main challenges that host and home country governments, investors, local communities and civil society face in ensuring this positive contribution? Which solutions are most effective? What practice and business models ensure that corporate investment is complementary to the operations of local smallholders and the overall wellbeing of the economy? 10:00-13:00 Business School Network Event Investing in the Poor 10
Join academics in the fields of business and social entrepreneurship, students, teachers and entrepreneurs from UNCTAD's Empretec network to discuss the practical challenges of investing in LDCs. A new UNCTAD initiative to advance the pro-poor investment agenda among business students will be unveiled during the session. How can the mold of conventional Masters of Business Administration be changed to advance the pro-poor investment agenda among business students? What are the essential elements of a pro-poor investment curriculum? What initiatives and incentives can prompt graduates to deploy their skills in the poorest countries and among the poor? Private Sustainability Finance Global private finance has increasingly embraced the sustainability movement over the past decades and is now at a point where it can become a major engine for driving sustainable outcomes. A panel session, followed by world café-style discussions between investors, TNCs, financial institutions, multilateral agencies, foundations and public officials will be organized. It will consider the need for a framework to harmonize definitions and standards to measure impact; and develop new tools and approaches to embed goal-setting, monitoring and impact-reporting within decisionmaking processes of the investment value chain (in partnership with Global Compact and PRI). What policy and regulatory frameworks as well as effective incentives can assist the development of private finance that seeks to deliver social or environmental benefits, in addition to financial returns? What are the key elements of successful partnerships between the public sector, the private sector and foundations to mobilize PSF? How can each of the stakeholders in these partnerships leverage their unique characteristics and add the greatest value? How can private actors include goal setting practices covering sustainability targets? How can impact be measured and reported? Partner Events organized by partner organizations, in collaboration with UNCTAD Investment and Decent Work (in partnership with the ILO) Public Health and Investment in Pharmaceutical Production in Developing Countries: Myths and Realities (in partnership with the WHO and UNIDO) Domestic pharmaceutical production capability is increasingly seen as a priority for many developing countries. Governments have adopted various strategies to establish domestic manufacturing expertise. This session introduces three investment models for the pharmaceutical industry: state- 11
owned, public-private, and privately-owned enterprises. It will examine the respective strengths and weaknesses of these investment options for meeting public health objectives, such as access to medicines. The session will be of interest to policy makers in countries actively seeking to scale up their local pharmaceutical industry, as well as to investment promotion agencies that have identified pharmaceutical production as a priority sector. What are the dynamics of providing access to medicines in developing countries? Is there scope for public endeavour to facilitate access to medicines, particularly to marginalized sections of the population? How can publicly-owned pharmaceutical firms be turned into fully-fledged competitors to private sector firms? What means, other than private equity, exist to encourage private pharmaceutical firms to take on board public health concerns? 13.00 15.00 Networking and Investment Promotion Initiatives A series of presentations and networking sessions for developing and transition economies to showcase investment opportunities in strategic sectors. Ministerial Roundtable Financing for the Sustainable Development Goals Ministers and heads of international organizations discuss strategies for engaging private sector stakeholders in financing for the Sustainable Development Goals. How can policies be deployed to engage private sector funding for the SDGs? What factors shape private sector involvement in the sustainable and inclusive growth agenda? Should an international governance structure frame different actors' roles; what form should it take? 18.30-21.00 Closing Ceremony and Presentation by the Host of the forthcoming World Investment Forum 12