Just Before Arab Summit, UN Forum in Bahrain Focuses Innovation and Economic Growth

Manama (Bahrain): The fifth World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF) has begun in Manama on Tuesday, focusing on the Arab and African regions. This year’s theme is ‘Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through Fostering Innovation and Economic Growth’.

The forum coincides with the Arab League summit, where Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to attend in person.

Under the leadership of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, the WEIF has received support from a consortium of influential partners.

Collaborators include the League of Arab States, the Union of Arab Chambers, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Shenzhen Federation for Entrepreneurship Promotion, and various local, regional, and international entities.

"We Are Here to Take ‘Strong’ Stance on #Sustainable #Economy and #Peace Development", Says Arab Lawmakers in #Bahrain Ahead of #ArabSummit . #WATCH #UNIDO #Eurovision #LeeKnow #Africa #Arabs pic.twitter.com/TAmHvV1Zs7

— Dr. Shahid Siddiqui (@shahidsiddiqui) May 14, 2024

The WEIF also highlights the importance of partnerships across sectors, including academia.

During the inaugural address, Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), emphasized the forum’s dedication to transforming the SDGs into concrete results.

“The theme of our Forum, Six Transition Investment Pathways to deliver the SDGs, challenges us to rethink and reshape our approaches across sectors such as energy and digital connectivity,” Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary of the ESCWA explained.

Ms. Dashti urged stakeholders to leverage digital transformation and enhance education systems to combat climate change and create inclusive jobs, stressing the urgent need for strategic partnerships to tackle pressing global issues.

She also encouraged the forum’s participants to harness their ideas to bridge the digital divide, create sustainable environments, and forge pathways out of poverty.

Meanwhile, the WEIF calls on academic institutions to increase investment in research and development, as such a strategic move can lead to new technologies capable of addressing some of the world’s most daunting challenges.

Promoting entrepreneurship by providing access to smart finance and networking opportunities is another approach UNIDO is advocating to advance the SDGs.

Olive Zaitun Kigongo, President of the Uganda Chamber of Commerce, highlighted a significant issue facing African countries: “We are giving away our resources to developed countries. We are exporting jobs and resources.”

“Many Ugandans are working abroad because they cannot find employment in Uganda,” she stated during a panel discussion on building sustainable partnerships.

Reem Seyam, President of the Economic Businesswoman Council in the Federation of Egyptian Chamber of Commerce and a Board Member of the World Chamber Federation, is among the beneficiaries of UNIDO training programs.

Speaking to WNN, she shared a message for women entrepreneurs: “I received UNIDO training in 2015 here in Bahrain through the UNIDO-ITPO office. This training was invaluable; it helped my business and opened doors to financial institutions and banks. My message to women entrepreneurs is: believe in yourself.”

Fatou Haidara, Deputy Director General and Managing Director of Global Partnerships and External Relations at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), expressed her appreciation for Bahrain’s efforts in organizing the forum. In cooperation with UNIDO, Bahrain is promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment to achieve the sustainable development goals. She wished the Kingdom further progress and prosperity.

Haidara is currently in Bahrain to participate in the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF).She had bilateral meeting with Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs on Tuesday.

After a brief meeting,  Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa expressed Bahrain’s appreciation for its strong cooperation with the United Nations and highlighted the kingdom’s pride in working with the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office to organize the WEIF.

On Wednesday, WEIF 2024 will focus on harnessing agricultural technology for food security and the role of the ‘orange economy’ comprising creative sectors that can help fast-track the SDGs.

– Dr. Shahid Siddiqui; Follow via X @shahidsiddiqui

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