International Forum “Increasing the contribution of women to economic growth and prosperity: Creating an enabling environment” under UNIDO to be held at SPIEF 2018
On 23 May 2018, during the starting day of Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Roscongress Foundation will hold an International Forum “Increasing the contribution of women to economic growth and prosperity: Creating an enabling environment”. This event is supported by Opora Rossii’s Committee for Women’s Entrepreneurship Development.
Women's entrepreneurship is a key element of global economic development. The International Labour Organization states that women make up a third of all entrepreneurs in the world and over 37% of cumulative GDP is achieved through their activity. Women Business Index (WBI) has been on the rise since its launch in 2015. Today, the global potential for women's entrepreneurship is higher than ever. This Forum is a unique opportunity to exchange information, as well as establish and reinforce business contacts and global cooperation.
Roscongress Foundation and UNIDO already have a history of successful collaborations. Last year Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum welcomed highly representative UNIDO delegations that gathered at interregional forums to discuss small and medium business cooperation in Russia and Latin America. At the same time, a similar forum dedicated to women’s entrepreneurship in Europe and Arab countries took place at the sidelines of SPIEF. In 2017, UNIDO Interregional Forum brought over 200 participants to the SPIEF. Delegates ascertained the timeliness and the relevance of the event’s agenda. As noted by Her Highness Hessa Saad Al-Abdullah Al Salem Al-Sabah, the President of the Council of Arab Businesswomen: “Our activity aims at female economic empowerment, as well as at assisting women in acquiring skills and getting access to resources necessary for entrepreneurship. Today opens an amazing opportunity for Russian businesses to expand to the Arab countries, as well as for the Arab countries’ businesses to join the Russian market”.
Female entrepreneurs’ consolidation will be discussed at the 2nd Eurasian Women's Forum that will take place on 20-21 September, 2018 in Saint Petersburg.
