QBWA and UNCTAD Formalize a Women’s Investment Partnership

By Grace Kim

The Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) and UNCTAD signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for long-term collaboration during the 9th UNCTAD World Investment Forum 2026, held in Doha from Oct. 25 to 27, 2026.

The Peninsula Qatar reported the agreement on Oct. 31, 2026. The forum’s theme was “Investing in the Future.”

The MOU creates a framework for long-term collaboration and joint initiatives supporting women’s economic participation. It extends cooperation beyond the three-day event.

QBWA said the forum partnership marked a significant step in its international engagement. As a forum partner, the association helped develop discussions on women’s economic participation, investment and entrepreneurship, and facilitated links between international delegates and Qatar’s business community. QBWA said it wants women represented in global economic discussions and actively involved in shaping investment decisions, building businesses and creating growth opportunities.

What did the women’s investment session bring together?

QBWA and UNCTAD co-organized “Women Who Invest: Mobilizing Female Capital for the Future.” The session brought together women investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders to explore how more women can move beyond wealth creation and become active investors and capital allocators.

Manu G. Parmar, Founder and CEO of Business Leaders Magazine, moderated. The five speakers were:

• Fatma Ali Al-Khater — Founder of Torba Market and Founder & Board Member of the Qatar Venture Capital Association.
• Yulia Stark — Founder and President of EWA Group.
• Mariela Balbo — Co-Founder and CFO of Crofabiotech.
• Dalia Al-Khalaf — Founder and Managing Partner of Rawdat Capital.
• Rama Chakaki — President of QSTP.

The speakers drew on experience in entrepreneurship, venture capital, financial education, innovation and international investment. Discussion centered on strengthening women’s role in investment decision-making and connecting female capital with credible investment opportunities.

The forum’s focus included:

• Strengthening investment knowledge.
• Improving access to investment opportunities.
• Mobilizing capital for innovation and sustainable growth.
• Developing trusted cross-border investment networks.

Speakers linked those goals to collaboration among financial institutions, investment networks, private-sector organizations and policymakers, with the aim of creating a more inclusive investment ecosystem. The practical goal was to move more women into active investing and capital allocation.

What does the UNCTAD pact change?

The agreement turns QBWA’s forum role into a continuing framework with four workstreams:

• Women’s entrepreneurship.
• Investment.
• Capacity building.
• International business engagement.

QBWA aims to strengthen its international network and explore initiatives that improve women’s access to investment knowledge, capital and business opportunities. The association will continue working with regional and international partners to advance women’s participation in entrepreneurship, investment and economic decision-making, while supporting Qatar’s position as a hub for international business collaboration.

The agreement turns a three-day event into a continuing channel for joint work.

How does QBWA support women entrepreneurs?

QBWA served as an in-kind sponsor of the UNCTAD Women in Business Awards. Vice Chairwoman Aisha Hussein Alfardan committed to giving winners complimentary membership in QBWA’s business community and curated introductions to business leaders, potential partners and organizations that can support their continued growth.

Board Member Aysha Khalifa Al Romaihi served on the awards panel, contributing to the recognition of women entrepreneurs and their achievements. Her participation reflected QBWA’s involvement in international efforts to highlight women’s contribution to entrepreneurship and economic development.

The awards initiative reflects QBWA’s community-driven approach to connecting women with the people and resources they need to advance their businesses.

Alfardan said:

“Hosting the World Investment Forum in Qatar has been a wonderful opportunity to bring people together, share ideas, and create meaningful connections.

“At QBWA, we have always believed that empowering women is not only about helping them start or grow businesses. It is also about giving them the confidence, knowledge, and opportunities to become investors, leaders, and decision-makers.

“We are proud of our partnership with UNCTAD and the opportunities it creates to connect women from Qatar with the wider world.

“For us, the true value of collaboration is not measured by the events we organize, but by the relationships we build, the doors we open, and the opportunities that continue long after the event ends.”

The awards package links recognition with membership and business introductions, so support extends beyond the trophy.

What did the networking dinner achieve?

QBWA hosted an exclusive networking dinner for international delegates, QBWA members and Qatar’s business community. The gathering focused on building relationships, exchanging experiences and exploring potential partnerships across markets.

The event turned forum contact into potential cross-market business relationships.

What is QBWA’s next move?

Founded in 2000, QBWA is a leading nonprofit operating under the umbrella of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), according to The Peninsula Qatar. The QBA was established under Amiri Decree No. 14 for 2002.

QBWA supports and advances women’s role in business through strategic partnerships, business networking, leadership development and international engagement. It connects women with opportunities, promotes entrepreneurship and strengthens their contribution to Qatar’s economic development.

Looking ahead, QBWA will continue working with regional and international partners to advance women’s participation in entrepreneurship, investment and economic decision-making. Its stated aim is to strengthen Qatar’s position as a hub for international business collaboration. For QBWA, the next phase is to turn the UNCTAD framework into joint initiatives that widen women’s access to investment knowledge, capital and business opportunities.