2 November 2017: Participants to the second World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF) called on the global community to support entrepreneurship and innovation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Held under the theme, ‘Achieving the SDGs through Promoting Entrepreneurship & Innovation,’ the event addressed how entrepreneurship and innovation can become and engine of job creation, economic growth, and the realization of social gains. Participants urged decision makers to incorporate entrepreneurship and innovation in all economic and social dimensions as key strategies for SDG implementation.

“The empowerment of women at all economic levels is crucial in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through innovation and entrepreneurship.” – WEIF Outcome Declaration

Under the sub-theme, ‘Women in Industry,’ participants addressed supporting women entrepreneurs in taking a more active role in global industrial development, including through: access to finance, technology and support networks; education; and addressing social and cultural barriers. Discussions also focused on the role of women in partnerships and enhancing their role in achieving SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure). In the Outcome Declaration, participants stressed their belief “that the empowerment of women at all economic levels is crucial in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through innovation and entrepreneurship.”

The Declaration also calls on governments, the private sector, academia, civil society, media, and international organizations to develop infrastructure and support measures to promote entrepreneurs and innovative enterprises to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.

Speaking at the opening of the Forum, UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Miroslav Lajčák stressed the role of entrepreneurship and innovation for the transformational change required to achieve the SDGs noting that “we must offer better incentives to induce entrepreneurs and innovators to invest in the SDGs.” He also underlined investments in the education and skills development of youth to realize their potential to be a catalyst for development.

The second WEIF was held 31 October to 2 November 2017 in Manama, Bahrain. The event was organized by the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Kingdom of Bahrain and other partners. [UNIDO Press Release][UN News Release][Speech by UNGA President Miroslav Lajčák][WEIF Website]