About WEIF

WEIF Background

The World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF), through its secretariat at the UNIDO ITPO / AICEI Bahrain and various partners, has managed to position itself as a leading pavilion of knowledge on entrepreneurship, innovation and impactful investments.

Over the previous editions of the Forum in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022; WEIF has been able to achieve major milestones and become the main dedicated Entrepreneurs Investment Forum by the United Nations. The main theme of WEIF “Achieving the SDGs through Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Investment” was a crucial factor in its success. As it focused on the Global Developmental Sustainable Agenda and the UNIDO mandate of inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) by means of leveraging the power of the private sector through stimulating and unleashing youth and women economic prosperity.

Initiated by UNIDO ITPO Bahrain in 2015, WEIF has become an international forum aimed at (1) sharing international best practices and exchanging experiences on the means of developing an optimum conducive ecosystem that would unleash domestic investment towards leveraging foreign direct investment through entrepreneurship, innovation and impactful investments; (2) Creating linkages and business partnerships between entrepreneurs around the globe.

Over the 4 editions, the Forum has been supported by a number of local, regional as well as international partners namely; line Ministries, governmental organizations, United Nations Agencies, NGOs, financial developmental institutions, regional and international organizations, commercial banks, universities, SME support institutions, research centers, think tanks, incubators, accelerator’s, chambers of commerce & industry and others.

The Forum directly seeks to (1) exchange international best practices and exchange experiences on means of developing an optimal enabling ecosystem that will unleash domestic investment and benefit from foreign direct investment through entrepreneurship, innovation and impact investments; (2) Establishing investment and commercial links and partnerships between entrepreneurs from all over the world.

The Forum also enjoys the support of a large number of local, regional and international partners, including: Ministries, governmental organizations, United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, development financial institutions, regional and international organizations, commercial banks, universities, small and medium enterprise support institutions, research centers, think tanks, incubators, accelerators, chambers of commerce and industry, among others.

In light of the rapid changes and technological challenges that the world is experiencing, it is necessary for decision makers and stakeholders to ensure that the environmental systems in their countries adapt quickly and embrace this transformation. In order to maintain sustainability and develop new tools that will enhance and facilitate ecosystems conducive to unleashing entrepreneurship, local and foreign investment, innovation and digital transformation, especially in the Arab region and Africa; Thus, building a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Through its various initiatives, WEIF plays a significant role in fostering and driving economic growth, innovation and promoting sustainable development. The forum's impact is evident in the numerous successful businesses and social enterprises that have emerged from its network. WEIF continues to be a leading force in the global entrepreneurship landscape, connecting innovators with investors, fostering collaboration, and empowering entrepreneurs to make a positive impact on the world.

WEIF 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022 in Figures

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