Training on Investment facilitation, decent work and sustainable development

11 to 14 June 2024, Turin (Italy) – The Union for the Mediterranean Secretariat with the support of GIZ and in partnership with the International Labour Organization will organize a Training on Investment facilitation, decent work and sustainable development in Turin – ILO Training Centre from 11 to 14 June 2024.

In fact, climate change, geopolitical shocks, socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and inequalities and the aftermath of a global pandemic are increasingly impacting flows of trade and investment. This is becoming worrisome, especially concerning the strategic role of FDI towards financing of development, as laid out in the Addis Ababa Plan of Action.

The latest World Investment Report (UNCTAD 2023) highlighted an annual investment/FDI shortfall in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in emerging and developing economies. This deficit has nearly doubled in recent years (from approx. 2 billion USD to 4 billion USD).

Against this backdrop, the emergence of policy frameworks like “Investment Facilitation for Sustainable Development” or “Social Clauses in Trade and Investment” agreements signifies the recognition that while trade and FDI hold potential for contributing to sustainable development and socio-economic progress, this outcome isn’t automatic.

In this regard, the ILO, OECD, UNIDO, WAIPA, UfM and UNCTAD are providing  support and guidance to Investment promotion agencies and other actors at the regional and country level to deepen and enhance the positive  impact of FDI, through concepts such as Quality or Sustainable FDI, or engaging with investors on responsible business conduct.

In this 4-day seminar,  ILO will provide expert guidance concerning tools, frameworks, standards and regional and country level experiences relating to investment facilitation and sustainable development. In addition, the seminar will create the opportunity to interact with peers from IPAs operating within the Mediterranean region.

Targeting professionals working in or with IPAs from selected UfM countries, including staff of other relevant public institutions related to the work in the investment field in the countries, this seminar aims to enhance the institutional capacity of IPAs to attract investment that contributes to sustainable development. In particular:

• investment promotion and facilitation strategies and tools to increase investment in SDG-related projects;
• investment policies and practices that maximize decent work and inclusive economic growth (including responsible business conduct);
• the integration of SDG-related considerations in project development and appraisal, to maximize the sustainable development contribution of inward FDI flows;
• cooperation and interaction at the global, regional and sub-regional levels between IPAs and between international and regional organizations
• Raise awareness and provide knowledge on the new EU supply chain regulations impacting investment flows in the Mediterranean region.