A forward-looking dialogue on global economic fractures, geopolitical rivalry, and the role of international investment policy in restoring trust, resilience, and cooperation. This opening exchange will set the tone for the Roundtable.

This session will explore how geopolitical tensions and recent crises have affected global investment flows, outlooks, and cooperation. Panellists will reflect on the future of multilateralism, the relevance of internationally agreed investment standards, and whether global frameworks need updating to regain trust and resilience.

This session will explore whether investment in support of digital transformation can offer common ground for strengthening international cooperation. Despite rising geopolitical tensions, the digital transition remains a shared priority across economies. The session aims to feature ongoing OECD work on FDI Qualities Indicators and digital transformation. Speakers will explore how policy frameworks can stay agile to support investment in fast-changing digital technologies, while ensuring inclusive, sustainable digital transformation. They will also consider whether current approaches balance openness with national security – especially around sensitive data and strategic technologies – and identify key policy gaps. The conversation will also reflect on how global collaboration on digital FDI policies can continue to thrive despite deepening techno-geopolitical rivalry.

Incentives remain a common tool to attract and guide investment, but their effectiveness depends on context and design and their costs can be substantial. Alternative instruments or policies may deliver better results. Effective use of incentives that ensures value for money requires embedding tax incentives within countries’ broader investment strategies and strengthening their design and governance, especially in countries with limited fiscal space and other constraints. Recent international tax reforms, declining investment rates, and subsidy-driven competition highlight the need for better design and more evidence on effectiveness. Well-designed reforms can support countries to achieve policy objectives while ensuring competition supports productivity and growth. This session will discuss how to reform incentives to better reach their investment objectives, how tax and non-tax incentives interact, and how to support tax incentive reform.

A closing discussion among international organisations on how to renew global trust and cooperation in investment policymaking. Reflections will focus on institutional leadership and the role of common principles in turbulent times.