Press Release

Launch of the World Investment Report 2023

05 July 2023

05.07.2023

UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2023 reveals a widening annual investment deficit that developing countries face as they work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The gap is now about $4 trillion per year – up from $2.5 trillion in 2015 when the SDGs were adopted.

The report shows that global foreign direct investment (FDI) fell 12% in 2022 and analyses how investment policy and capital market trends impact investment in the SDGs, particularly in clean energy.

It highlights that developing countries need renewable energy investments of about $1.7 trillion each year but attracted only $544 billion in clean energy FDI in 2022.

Although investments in renewables have nearly tripled since 2015, most of the money has gone to developed countries.

The report calls for urgent support to developing countries to enable them to attract significantly more investment for their transition to clean energy. It proposes a compact setting out priority actions, ranging from financing mechanisms to investment policies, to ensure sustainable energy for all.

Learn more and download the report here: UNCTAD World Investment Report

About UNCTAD

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) promotes inclusive and sustainable development through trade, investment, finance, and technology.

UNCTAD's World Investment Report is a leading publication that provides analysis and insights into global investment trends and policies.

World Investment Forum

The key findings of the World Investment Report 2023 will inform discussions at UNCTAD’s 8th World Investment Forum to be held in Abu Dhabi from 16 to 20 October 2023 under the theme "Investing in sustainable development".

The forum will bring together government leaders, global CEOs, policymakers and other stakeholders to find solutions and reach consensus on priority issues. Its outcomes will feed into negotiations at the annual climate summit COP28, which will also be held in the United Arab Emirates.

UN entities involved in this initiative

UNCTAD
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Goals we are supporting through this initiative