WGS and IFC Strengthen Global Partnership for Investment

The World Governments Summit Organisation (WGS) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have entered a new phase of their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to strengthen global investment and development cooperation. The agreement focuses on launching joint initiatives and international forums to promote sustainable economic growth in the UAE and across the world.

The MoU was signed by Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Vice-Chair of WGS, and Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and Mohammed Yousef Al Sharhan, Managing Director of the World Governments Summit Organisation.

This new MoU marks an important step forward in the ongoing partnership between WGS and IFC. The agreement expands their cooperation to include new joint projects and strategic initiatives, including the Annual Investment Forum focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), which will take place during the World Governments Summit in February 2026.

The upcoming forum aims to bring together global business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in emerging regions. Each edition will spotlight a different region or continent, showcasing its potential and promoting international collaboration in sectors driving future economic growth.

During the signing, Omar Sultan Al Olama highlighted that the MoU represents the continuation of a successful strategic collaboration that focuses on unlocking global opportunities and empowering economies. He emphasized that WGS is committed to building new partnerships and expanding cooperation across sectors that impact human life and sustainable development.

Al Olama noted that the collaboration aims to identify and support promising economic sectors while enhancing the ability of governments and institutions to adapt to global changes. He added that WGS seeks to create an environment where innovation and investment drive growth, ensuring that communities and economies are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of IFC, praised the partnership as a powerful tool for transforming shared ideas into tangible investments. He stated, “This partnership builds on our longstanding collaboration with the World Governments Summit to turn shared ideas into real investments — connecting capital with opportunity.”

Diop further explained that IFC aims to build new investment corridors between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and emerging markets, beginning with Latin America and the Caribbean, and later expanding to Africa and Asia. He also emphasized IFC’s role as a trusted global partner capable of mobilizing capital, managing risks, and sharing financial expertise to unlock new opportunities across the Global South.

The MoU highlights both organizations’ commitment to promoting sustainable development and economic inclusivity. Through knowledge exchange, joint research, and capacity-building initiatives, WGS and IFC aim to support governments and industries in adopting forward-looking policies that encourage innovation, resilience, and responsible investment.

This partnership also contributes to the UAE’s global leadership in sustainable finance, reinforcing its position as a hub for economic collaboration and investment in emerging markets. By working together, WGS and IFC will help create new opportunities that stimulate growth and generate employment, particularly in regions most in need of economic empowerment.

Under the new MoU, WGS and IFC plan to co-host international events, forums, and knowledge-sharing sessions that promote dialogue on investment and sustainable development. These platforms will bring together experts from different sectors to discuss pressing global challenges, share innovative solutions, and highlight the role of finance in addressing climate change, digital transformation, and inclusive growth.

The partnership also aims to create a global network of collaboration, leveraging both organizations’ expertise and resources to design future-driven projects that strengthen economies, empower societies, and foster global unity.

This renewed partnership builds upon the strategic collaboration established in October 2022, which focused on enhancing dialogue around finance, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Since then, both organizations have worked closely to promote cross-border investments and encourage partnerships that contribute to long-term global progress.

By signing this MoU, WGS and IFC reaffirm their shared commitment to driving positive change worldwide. The cooperation represents a visionary step toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-led global economy, where partnerships between governments, financial institutions, and private enterprises pave the way for a better future.