The UNCTAD Virtual IIA Conference 2020 will be held on Thursday, 26 November. It will be hosted online from 11:00 to 14:00 Geneva time.

The event will bring together representatives of Governments, regional and international organizations, and other IIA stakeholders. Panellists will discuss key questions surrounding “IIA Reform in Times of COVID-19”.

IIA Reform in Times of COVID-19

IIA reform remains a daunting task for all member States, with challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers, IIA practitioners, civil society and legal scholars need to urgently take stock of ongoing reform efforts in times of COVID-19, in terms of both what IIA reform measures countries and regional organizations undertook or are considering to undertake in response to the crisis, and how to maintain and strengthen the reform momentum in light of the increased fragility of economies around the world that places added emphasis on the importance of FDI as a means of development finance. The Virtual IIA Conference will aim to pave the way for further inclusive, transparent, and synchronized IIA reform processes in the pursuit of sustainable development in the post COVID-19 era.

Registration

The event is open to IIA stakeholders (governments, regional and international organizations, civil society, business, academia etc.). The closing date for registrations is Wednesday, 18 November.

Registration is necessary to receive an access link to the event. If you have registered and your registration has been approved by UNCTAD, you will receive a link to the online event by email a few days in advance.

Register here

Video messages and written statements

The Virtual IIA Conference will be held against the backdrop of recorded video messages and written statements from governments and other stakeholders around the world informing about ongoing reform efforts. Videos and statements available here.

Event format and preliminary programme

The event will feature two panels. Detailed programme available here.