Muscat, Oman, 7 November 2024 – The International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF) has held its 16th annual meeting in Muscat, hosted by Oman Investment Authority (OIA).
This unique event brings together representatives from sovereign wealth funds, global financial leaders, and policymakers to engage in frank discussions on investment strategies, governance, and global economic trends. The meeting has also played an important role in reinforcing Oman's position as a leading player in the international investment community, expanding the understanding of these funds’ activities and advocating for transparency, governance, and accountability as set out in the Santiago Principles, which all IFSWF members voluntarily implement.
This year, we were pleased to welcome more than 270 participants representing over 46 sovereign wealth funds from across the globe, as well as multilateral institutions, universities, IFSWF partners, and government officials from around the world, making it one of the largest meetings of sovereign wealth funds ever held.
The meeting was inaugurated under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham bin Tariq Al Said in the presence of several dignitaries, officials, members of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds, and a number of CEOs from various countries around the world.
The meeting theme was Embracing Disruption and Searching for Resilient Futures, and it provided a unique opportunity for IFSWF members to debate the most significant issues shaping the current investment landscape. Participants explored how sovereign wealth funds can adapt to global challenges and seize new opportunities in artificial intelligence, the energy transition, governance, and the developing global policy environment.
Discussions also focused on the strategic role of these funds in shaping resilient futures by implementing innovations and strengthening governance frameworks while navigating uncertainties, including global economic shifts and policy changes.
In 2024, IFSWF continued to promote good governance among sovereign wealth funds by expanding its membership, welcoming the Ghana Petroleum Funds as a full member and the Maharlika Investment Corporation of the Philippines as an associate member. It also supported its members in implementing the Santiago Principles by holding well-attended workshops on internal and external communications and creating effective, independent relationships between executive management teams and board directors both internally and in their portfolio companies. IFSWF also continued to support its members in navigating the energy transition following the theme of the 2023 annual meeting hosted by COFIDES in Madrid, Investing in Transition, by actively participating in COP28 and convening its membership to discuss how sovereign wealth funds can plan for, invest in, and report on building a more resilient world.
Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al-Murshidi, President of OIA, emphasised the importance of hosting this annual meeting in Muscat: “We at Oman Investment Authority are deeply proud to host the 16th Annual Meeting of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds. Oman’s strategic location and rich history in economic diplomacy provide a unique platform for building partnerships and strengthening cooperation with our global peers. Through our active role in the IFSWF and our commitment to the Santiago Principles, we look forward to promoting new economic collaborations and showcasing Oman’s investment potential to our distinguished guests.”
Obaid Amrane, Chair of IFSWF, said: “We are delighted to bring together so many of our members and partners at the 2024 IFSWF annual meeting. This year, we are discussing how sovereign wealth funds are navigating the myriad disruptions to the investment environment and are adapting to become more resilient, ensuring their capital is preserved and enhanced for the benefit of future generations.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Oman Investment Authority for generously hosting this event.
Enabling sovereign wealth funds to meet and exchange views and experiences with each other and external experts is one of IFSWF’s essential roles, especially in these challenging times. These discussions will undoubtedly help our members fulfil their fiduciary duty to their ultimate stakeholders, the citizens of their countries.”
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