Effective investment facilitation and sustainable development
Effective investment facilitation and sustainable development
29 June–10 July 2026
The course is available in English
Introduction to the course
Trade and investment have the potential to transform economies and societies, empower workers, connect enterprises across the globe, and contribute to sustainable development. However, for this potential to be realized, adequate policies, programmes, and institutional frameworks must be in place to ensure that foreign direct investment (FDI) aligns with national development objectives. Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) play a critical role in this process by linking investors and governments, shaping investment strategies that support the creation of more and better jobs, facilitating linkages between multinational enterprises and local suppliers, and promoting investment practices that contribute to decent work and inclusive sustainable economic growth. This online training will support IPAs and related institutions in strengthening their internal capacity to transform foreign direct investment into meaningful development outcomes, including in terms of more and better jobs.
Who attends this course?
This course is designed for a wide range of professionals working for regional, national, and municipal investment promotion agencies (IPAs) and other institutions/organizations with a similar mandate. This course might also be of particular interest to development practitioners with a specific interest in financing development through FDI investments, e.g., foreign affairs ministries or ministries responsible for trade, commerce and finance.
What will you learn in this course?
The course is structured around three thematic and interlinked blocks:
Block 1 – Defining the impact of FDI: What are we looking for?
Block 2 – Measuring and communicating impact: If we can’t measure it, it didn’t happen!
Block 3 – Managing impact: Steering the process
Methodology and Learning Approach
The course is delivered online through the ITCILO eCampus and combines self-guided learning, interactive webinars, practical assignments, peer exchange, case studies, group reflection exercises, and technical support from the training team.
Participants will also receive coaching and support to refine institutional action plans and facilitate peer learning.
Expected Results
By the end of the course, participants will:
• Strengthen their understanding of how investment facilitation can support decent work and sustainable development
• Gain practical tools for measuring and communicating investment impact
• Develop concrete institutional action plans to support implementation within their organizations
Why should I join?
• Connect and interact with colleagues from IPAs across the globe
• Learn from practical experiences and good practices in sustainable investment promotion
• Engage with experts from the ILO, ITCILO, and WAIPA
• Receive an ITCILO Certificate of Participation upon successful completion
*Partial scholarships are available for qualifying candidates. Women and participants from IPAs from the list of LDCs are highly encouraged to register
Partners
World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA)
WAIPA provides the opportunity for investment promotion agencies (IPAs) to network and exchange best practices in investment promotion. WAIPA has always dedicated, and continues to dedicate, time and effort towards building the human resources capacity of its Member agencies.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
UNCTAD supports developing countries to access the benefits of a globalized economy more fairly and effectively and helps equip them to deal with the potential drawbacks of greater economic integration. To do this, UNCTAD provides analysis, facilitates consensus-building, and offers technical assistance.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
UNIDO is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability.
International Labour Organization
The only tripartite U.N. agency, since 1919 the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States , to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.
Co-funded by the European Union
