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Dear colleagues, The Multidisciplinary Academic Conference on 15th October, held in partnership with the Geneva Graduate Institute, the Academy of International Business (AIB), the Society of International Economy and Law (SIEL), and the European International Business Academy (EIBA), brought together nearly 200 academics from across the world, and a range of disciplines, to consider a common approach to the multifaceted, complex and urgent problématique of investment for development. The assembled academics and researchers were asked to consider, in particular: research gaps related primarily to investment for development, with the aim of encouraging policy-orientated research. A follow-up to this event took place during the EIBA Conference held in Uppsala, during a panel discussion refining the Academic Framework on Investment for Development, and engaging in a consultation towards the launch of a multidisciplinary academic network. The outcome of these discussions and public consultations is now available at the following website: http://unctad-worldinvestmentforum.org/multidisciplinary-academic-conference/ We would like to thank all colleagues who took part in these discussions and initial process, and invite those who could not to our future activities. Our preliminary plans to develop the research work and evolve the network are indicated in the outcome document, but of course we look forward to your suggestions – as well as enthusiastic, active participation! – to take things further. We look forward to working with you all in 2015. James Zhan, Director, Division on Investment and Enterprise (DIAE), UNCTAD Hafiz Mirza, Chief, Investment Issues Section, DIAE, UNCTAD Elizabeth Tuerk, Chief, International Investment Agreements, DIAE, UNCTAD