Friday
21st Aug 2026
Dhivehi Edition
Foreign ministry: TMJ
The Maldives will host two major international forums focused on business development and investment opportunities in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from August 23 to 25, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday.
The SIDS Global Business Network Forum 2026 and the inaugural Island Investment Forum will be held at Barceló Nasandhura Malé, bringing together more than 200 participants from over 30 countries.
The events are being co-organised by the governments of the Maldives and Antigua and Barbuda, alongside the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade are organising the forums on behalf of the Maldivian government.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the Maldives was invited to host the events following its active leadership at the Fourth International Conference on SIDS in 2024. During the conference, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu called for stronger collaboration among island nations, particularly in sustainable development and development financing.
President Muizzu also served as a vice-president of the conference and chaired plenary sessions, while the Maldives co-chaired its Preparatory Committee and participated in several high-level discussions and side events.
Held every two years since the Third International Conference on SIDS in Samoa in 2014, the SIDS Global Business Network Forum seeks to increase the participation of businesses, investors, development partners and civil society organisations in the development of island states.
This year’s forum will examine the challenges affecting businesses, investment and development projects in SIDS. It will also allow participants to explore economic opportunities, exchange lessons and establish connections across different island regions.
The Maldives will use the event to highlight its development experience and showcase innovative work undertaken by local enterprises. Activities will focus on key sectors including tourism, fisheries, renewable energy and environmental conservation.
The Island Investment Forum, meanwhile, was established under the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS adopted at the 2024 conference. Its inaugural edition will focus on identifying investment opportunities, examining barriers to investment and developing potential solutions to those challenges.
The Foreign Ministry said the forums would provide an international platform to promote the Maldives’ achievements and expertise while strengthening cooperation among island economies.