Dr. Yousef M. Alhorr, Founding Chairman of the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) and Global Carbon Council (GCC), contributed to discussions on mobilizing climate finance during the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Forum 2026 in Doha.
Speaking on the Forum’s opening day during the dialogue “Making Climate Finance Investable: From Ambition to Action,” Dr. Alhorr joined representatives from carbon markets, green finance institutions, exchanges and international organizations to discuss how carbon markets can support implementation of the Paris Agreement while expanding climate finance opportunities for developing countries. The session addressed Article 6 implementation, market integrity, transparency, registry interoperability and the participation of developing countries in international carbon markets.
During the discussion, Dr. Alhorr emphasized that realizing the potential of carbon markets requires more than demand for carbon credits. Countries also need the regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, credible standards and institutional expertise required to participate effectively in international markets.
A key priority is strengthening readiness for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Through GCC, this includes the development of Carbon Market Infrastructure (CMI) designed to support countries in operationalizing Article 6, connecting registries and enabling transparent tracking and reporting of carbon credits. Such infrastructure can help translate climate commitments into investable opportunities while improving access to climate finance, particularly for developing countries.
Reflecting on the wider significance of the Forum, Dr. Alhorr said: “Carbon markets can play an important role in mobilizing climate finance, but countries need the right foundations to participate effectively. Article 6 readiness requires clear regulatory frameworks, credible standards, interoperable registries, and the institutional and technical capacity to manage projects, transactions, accounting, and reporting. This is where integrated carbon market infrastructure can make a real difference by reducing complexity, strengthening transparency, and helping countries turn climate ambition into investable opportunities.”
The ninth World Investment Forum was held in Doha from 25–27 October under the theme “Investing in the future.” Organized by UN Trade and Development and hosted by the State of Qatar, the Forum brought together governments, investors, businesses, development finance institutions and international organizations to address investment challenges spanning sustainable finance, climate action, technology and economic development.
