The SIDS Global Business Network Forum 2026 will bring numerous benefits to the Maldivian economy, according to the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade. Scheduled for 23 to 25 August at the Barceló Nasandhura Malé, the biennial gathering will convene representatives from more than 30 countries, including government officials, commercial enterprises, investors, civil society groups, and academic researchers.
Designed to foster cross-sector collaboration for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the platform addresses structural investment hurdles, economic bottlenecks, and long-term financing mechanisms. The decision to host the event in the Maldives follows an initiative championed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda in 2024, where President Muizzu urged multilateral stakeholders to secure essential development financing.
Appearing on the PSM News programme ‘Raajje Miadhu’, Mohamed Thariq Ahmed, the Minister of State for Economic Development, Transport and Trade, observed that the summit would elevate the nation's international profile whilst strengthening domestic commerce. "Within this, there are excellent opportunities for us to secure investors," State Minister Thariq explained. "Through this, we will obtain the opportunity to attract investors for our key, high-priority projects at competitive rates and in highly favourable ways."
The assembly carries threefold significance: it marks the forum's 10th anniversary, serves as the inaugural event following the adoption of the 10-year Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States framework, and inaugurates the Island Investment Forum series.