The Secretary General of the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Hashim Hussein, participated at the 5th World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum held in Manam, with the theme “Achieving the SDGs through Fostering Innovation and Economic Growth” from 14 to 16 May. Sponsored by HRH Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in collaboration with the League of Arab States, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Bahrain, the Union of Arab Chambers, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce, the event was attended by a large number of entrepreneurs, policy makers, political personalities and experts.
The forum, structured into multiple working sessions and panels, was a significant opportunity to discuss and debate on major global challenges including poverty, inequality, climate change, peace and justice within the backdrop of the Sustainable Development Goals. In this sense, it was recognized the pivotal role played by innovation and economic growth which are critical enablers for achieving the SDGs as they lead to the development of new technologies, products and services that can address social and environmental challenges by providing the necessary resources to invest in sustainable development initiatives.
At the conclusion of the event, the Secretary General stressed for the need to sharpen efforts on fostering innovation and economic growth through a multifaceted approach which includes promoting entrepreneurship by providing access to smart finance, capacity building, incubation, networking and mentorship, encouraging the formation of new partnerships, collaborations and knowledge sharing, boosting investment in research and development, and lastly, supporting the creation of an innovative culture that values creativity and risk taking.
Source: INSME Secretariat