Sakhir, Bahrain, 10-11 February 2026 — The UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) Bahrain, in cooperation with the League of Arab States, the Union of Arab Chambers, Babson College, the Bahrain Chamber and a wide range of regional and international partners, organized the sixth edition of the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF) 2026 at Exhibition World Bahrain under the theme “Achieving the SDGs through Empowering Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Mobilizing Capital for Resilient Communities.”
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted the forum, which convened more than 800 participants, including dignitaries, experts, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and academia, to advance sustainable development through entrepreneurship and innovation.
Delivering the keynote, UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller emphasized that the world possesses the knowledge and resources to meet economic and developmental challenges but requires genuine will and renewed international cooperation to turn aspirations into reality. He underscored that entrepreneurship and innovation, championed by ITPO Bahrain, are vital foundations for industrial development and resilience, and that empowering women and youth entrepreneurs is a direct investment in building stronger, more inclusive societies.
The United Nations Secretary‑General sent a statement to the forum, commending Bahrain’s leadership and ITPO Bahrain’s pioneering role in promoting entrepreneurship as a driver of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In his remarks, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary‑General of the League of Arab States, also praised Bahrain’s organization of the forum and ITPO Bahrain’s contribution to Arab economic integration.
Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, delivered a recorded message to WEIF in which he acknowledged ITPO Bahrain’s 30 years of impact. He highlighted its pivotal role in linking and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within educational institutions.
Now in its sixth edition, WEIF continues to position Bahrain as a global hub for entrepreneurship and investment, with ITPO Bahrain at the forefront of linking innovation to sustainable development. One of the key outcomes of WEIF was the Manama Declaration, which was drafted based on the forum’s deliberations and will be submitted to the United Nations General Assembly through the Bahrain Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During WEIF 2026, DG Müller took part in the signing of several key agreements, including:
A Joint Declaration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to establish a Regional Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Centre of Excellence in Bahrain, aimed at supporting recovery programmes in Sudan, Syria, Palestine and Ukraine
A Joint Declaration and Roadmap with the CSR Regional Network
As a result of the matchmaking sessions held during WEIF 2026, entrepreneurs concluded 53 letters of intent, representing an estimated investment value of USD 46 million. This achievement highlights the forum's pivotal role as a global platform linking innovative ideas to capital, while showcasing ITPO Bahrain's ongoing success in forging partnerships that transform innovation into sustainable economic opportunities.
DG Müller also attended the 18th International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) which took place in Bahrain, further reinforcing UNIDO’s commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment globally.
For more information please contact:
Head, UNIDO ITPO-Bahrain