By: Nanju Francisco
Manama: Under the Patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and hosted by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce, the “5th World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum” (WEIF) was successfully held at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain from May 14 to 16, 2024. The event was a resounding success, bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors from around the globe.
The forum was inaugurated with high-profile speakers who set the tone for the event. The speakers included: H.E. Dr. Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia; H.E. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce; H.E. Ambassador Ali Bin Ibrahim Al-Malki, Assistant Secretary-General, Head of the Economic Affairs Sector, League of Arab States; H.E. Shaikh Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Honorary Chairman Board of Trustees International Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation; H.E. Sameer Nass, President Union of Arab Chambers; H.E. Khaled El Mekwad, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain and H.E. Maria Fernanda Garza, Chair International Chamber of Commerce.
The first day saw discussions on sustainable partnerships for Arab and African entrepreneurs, smart sustainable financial inclusion, and the Saudi Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation City. The panelists included Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, Founder and Chairman Emeritus at Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions from the Philippines.
The gathering was graced by the presence of the distinguished members of The Filipino Business Council of Bahrain’s (TFBCB) Executive Committee led by their President, Mr. Rene P. Ramos. Their participation underscored the importance of the occasion and highlighted the ongoing commitment of the TFBCB to fostering strong business relationships.
The day concluded with a high-level plenary session on “The World in 2050”, where key individuals were recognized and sponsors were awarded.
The second day of the forum focused on Bahrain’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, the role of digital transformation in entrepreneurship, and leveraging the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion (ITPO) Network. Other topics included agricultural technology for food security, the role of universities and educational institutions in entrepreneurship and innovation, and the creative potential of trade and heritage.
The final day of the forum discussed promoting stability in conflict-affected countries by funding female entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs as pioneers of the digital frontier, the future of startup creation, and women’s progression. The day concluded with entrepreneurs’ bilateral meetings and a cultural tour.
Several side events were held, including insights into the ESG Landscape, a high-level Arab event on empowering persons with disabilities and productive families, the Second International Forum for Social Entrepreneurship 2024, and a roundtable on empowering women entrepreneurs in conflict and war zones.
Certificates were awarded to participants of various capacity-building programs on enterprise creation and business counselors. Appreciation certificates were also given to WEIF volunteers.
The 5th WEIF has once again proven to be a pivotal platform for fostering global entrepreneurship and investment, and we look forward to the continued growth and success of this event in the future.
