Beirut-Doha, 18 November 2024--To support innovation and entrepreneurship, and enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Arab region to achieve success and sustainable growth, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the Qatar Development Bank (QDB) kicked off their joint event merging the 3rd Arab SMEs Summit and the 10th edition of the Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference. The event, hosted in Doha, is held under the patronage of Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
Themed “Navigating Digital Horizons,” the event serves as a comprehensive platform to support emerging projects and advance sustainable development across the Arab region. Through diverse activities focusing on digital advancements, it brings together key stakeholders from various sectors. With over 1,300 influential participants, including SME owners, government institutions, investors, regional experts, leaders, policymakers, and representatives from governmental and non-governmental entities, the event sets the stage for impactful collaboration and innovation.
In her opening remarks, ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti underscored that “the Summit is more than just an event. It embodies a collective vision enabling entrepreneurs and SMEs to reach their full potential, as their success is essential for fostering resilient, dynamic, and inclusive communities and economies.” Furthermore, she emphasized that, “In today’s interconnected digital world, businesses must continuously adapt and innovate to remain competitive. This year’s theme, ‘Navigating Digital Horizons,’ reflects this urgent need. Every business, regardless of its size, must harness the power of technology. By uniting resources, ideas, and supportive systems, we can foster an environment where SMEs are empowered to thrive.”
Spanning over three days, the event focuses on six strategic pillars aligned with the region’s economic priorities, aiming to boost sustainable growth and innovation. Its rich agenda features interactive sessions, workshops, policy dialogues, company exhibitions, job opportunities, business training, mentoring, and bilateral meetings to facilitate cooperation agreements. Additionally, the event showcases inspiring success stories from across the region, promoting knowledge exchange and supporting the digital transformation of SMEs.
“This event reaffirms the commitment of QDB to strengthening Qatar's position as a pioneering hub of innovation in the region, aligned with the third national development strategy,” QDB Chief Executive Officer Abdulrahman Hisham Al-Suwaidi stated, noting that this year’s edition of Rowad Conference is the largest and most comprehensive to date, bringing together Arab entrepreneurs, both men and women, to promote a culture of digital innovation and advance the foundations of a sustainable economy in the Arab region. "Over the next two days, the conference will offer investment opportunities, training sessions, and dialogues with policymakers, featuring the participation of leading Arab start-ups. Additional highlights include field visits aimed at maximizing benefits for all participants from Qatar and the wider Arab region,” he added.
The Arab SMEs Summit is a regional annual platform organized by ESCWA for accelerating the growth of SMEs across the Arab region, and empower them to expand their reach beyond local markets, focusing on sustainable growth and enhanced regional collaboration.
The Qatar Entrepreneurship Conference, ‘Rowad’, celebrates local and global entrepreneurial excellence, forming part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week. Carrying the QDB brand, it aims to develop the private sector and enhance the knowledge-based economy in Qatar through attracting millions of participants from around the world across the years.
Check out the detailed agenda here.
For the latest updates on the event, follow us on social media using the hashtags: #DigitalHorizons and #ASMEs2024.
****
About ESCWA
One of five United Nations regional commissions, ESCWA supports inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in Arab States, and works on enhancing regional integration.
For more information and to arrange interviews:
-Ms. Maryam Sleiman, Public Information Assistant, +961-81-769888 - sleiman2@un.org
-Ms. Rania Harb, Public Information Assistant, +961-70-008879 - harb1@un.org
