Manama, the capital of Bahrain, recently became a hub for global discussions on sustainable development as it hosted the fifth World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF). Organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, this event brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the world.
The forum revolved around the theme: “Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through Fostering Innovation and Economic Growth” and primarily focused on the Arab and African regions. The discussions aimed at addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including poverty, inequality, and climate change, with a strong emphasis on innovation as a driving force for solutions.
A Platform for Global Change
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres opened the forum by underlining the critical role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in driving innovation and fostering economic growth. He highlighted that MSMEs are not just small businesses; they are the backbone of economies worldwide, creating employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and introducing groundbreaking solutions to societal problems.
Guterres further emphasized that these enterprises, when supported with the right policies and investments, can leverage modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and renewable energy to address climate change, food insecurity, and economic disparities. He pointed out that fostering such innovation is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations for 2030.
Bahrain’s Growing Role in International Affairs
One of the key takeaways from the event was Bahrain’s increasing influence on the global stage. The forum coincided with the Arab League summit, reinforcing Bahrain’s commitment to regional and international development.
Khaled El Mekwad, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, stressed the importance of the country’s engagement in multilateral dialogues and its active role in shaping regional policies. He mentioned that the forum aligns with the upcoming UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2025-2029, ensuring Bahrain remains at the forefront of economic and technological advancements.
Unlike previous years, this year’s forum took a more inclusive approach, incorporating not just government and private sector stakeholders but also civil society organizations, emphasizing the importance of collective action in achieving sustainable growth.
Rethinking Investment for Sustainable Development
Rola Dashti, the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), delivered a thought-provoking address on the need to reimagine the way investments are directed toward development projects.
She argued that traditional investment models are no longer sufficient to address modern challenges, urging governments and businesses to embrace digital transformation, enhanced education systems, and climate-friendly infrastructure. According to Dashti, investments should not only be profit-driven but also focused on long-term sustainability, environmental conservation, and job creation.
She emphasized that fostering strategic partnerships between governments, private enterprises, and research institutions is crucial to tackling climate change, reducing economic inequality, and providing equal opportunities to all.
Young Entrepreneurs Leading the Way
Dashti also highlighted the significant role of young entrepreneurs and innovators, referring to them as “the architects of the next revolution in global development.”
She encouraged young professionals and startups to focus on bridging the digital divide, developing sustainable economic models, and creating employment opportunities. The forum provided an opportunity for youth-led startups to showcase their projects, proving that innovation can be a powerful force for social and economic transformation.
A particular focus was given to how technology can be used to support underprivileged communities, especially in rural areas where access to modern resources is limited. From fintech solutions for financial inclusion to agritech innovations improving food production, young leaders demonstrated how their cutting-edge ideas can directly contribute to achieving the SDGs.
Private Sector as a Driving Force for Change
Fatou Haidara, UNIDO Deputy Director-General, emphasized that the private sector has a critical role in fostering economic growth, particularly in developing nations.
She pointed out that the challenges faced today—ranging from economic instability to climate crises—cannot be solved by governments alone. Instead, collaboration between business leaders, investors, academics, and policymakers is essential to accelerate the implementation of sustainable solutions.
One of the most significant discussions revolved around how private enterprises can contribute to the SDGs through investment in technology, innovation, and human capital. Haidara stressed that companies should not only focus on profitability but also integrate sustainability into their core business models.
The event featured various panels where experts from finance, technology, and energy sectors discussed how businesses can align their strategies with global sustainability goals while remaining profitable.
Technology as a Tool for Global Solutions
The forum also highlighted the role of emerging technologies in solving some of the world’s biggest challenges. Discussions focused on how digitalization, artificial intelligence, and automation can be harnessed to develop sustainable solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and energy.
Several case studies were presented, showcasing how blockchain technology is being used for transparent supply chains, AI is revolutionizing healthcare access in developing nations, and renewable energy solutions are mitigating the impact of climate change.
The forum also called for greater investment in digital literacy and infrastructure, ensuring that developing countries are not left behind in the technological revolution.
A Call for Collective Action
A key message that resonated throughout the event was that no single entity—government, business, or organization—can tackle global challenges alone.
The UN and its partners urged countries to strengthen international cooperation, support entrepreneurs and small businesses, and invest in innovative solutions that have a real impact on society.
The private sector, investors, and governments were encouraged to adopt policies that promote innovation-driven economies, ensuring that technological advancements benefit all people, not just a privileged few.
Conclusion
The World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF) in Bahrain successfully provided a platform for collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society. By focusing on innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships, the forum emphasized the need for a collective and forward-thinking approach to solving global challenges.
The event underscored that innovation is not just about technological advancement—it is about creating sustainable, inclusive, and long-lasting solutions for a better future. As nations continue their journey toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the ideas and commitments generated at this forum will serve as a guiding force for the years ahead.
With Bahrain emerging as a growing player in multilateral discussions, the forum also reaffirmed its role in shaping policies and investments that drive positive change across the Arab and African regions. As businesses, entrepreneurs, and policymakers return to their respective countries, the hope is that the discussions held in Manama will translate into real, measurable progress in the years to come.
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