Maldives to Host 2026 SIDS Business Forum to Attract Global Investment

The Maldives will host the SIDS Global Business Network Forum 2026, a biennial gathering expected to deliver significant economic benefits and elevate the nation's international profile. Scheduled for August 23 to 25 at the Barceló Nasandhura Malé, the event will bring together government officials, investors, commercial enterprises, and academic researchers from over 30 countries. The forum serves as a strategic platform for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to address critical structural investment hurdles and economic bottlenecks. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, the event aims to establish more sustainable long-term financing mechanisms for island nations facing unique geographic and economic challenges. The decision to host the forum stems from an initiative by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during the 2024 Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda. During that summit, President Muizzu called upon multilateral stakeholders to secure the essential development financing required for the resilience and growth of island states. Speaking on the PSM News programme ‘Raajje Miadhu’, Mohamed Thariq Ahmed, the Minister of State for Economic Development, Transport and Trade, emphasized the forum's potential to strengthen domestic commerce. He highlighted that the gathering provides a prime opportunity to attract foreign investment for high-priority national projects under highly favorable and competitive terms. This upcoming assembly holds particular significance as it marks the 10th anniversary of the forum. Furthermore, it will be the first major event following the adoption of the 10-year Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States framework and will serve as the launchpad for the new Island Investment Forum series.