Manama: Europe and the Arabs

Arab women entrepreneurs play a vital role in their societies and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, a fact that will be highlighted at the sixth edition of the Global Entrepreneurship and Investment Forum, according to Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of the Investment and Technology Promotion Office of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Bahrain.

UN News met with Dr. Hussein after a busy week of the 21st UNIDO General Conference, held under the title "Global Manufacturing Summit," and discussed the future and preparations for the upcoming Global Forum, which will launch on February 9, 2026.

Dr. Hussein said, "This year, the Forum coincides with the annual conference of the International Women's Entrepreneurship Challenge Foundation – a prestigious New York-based organization – which celebrates women entrepreneurs worldwide whose investments have a positive impact on their communities."

He added that the office nominated two women entrepreneurs at the beginning of its collaboration with the Foundation in 2015, and the number of nominees for the Foundation's awards has now reached 40 Arab women entrepreneurs. Dr. Hashim stated that being included in this circle and honoring female entrepreneurs "is also a mandate that they continue to make a societal impact and play a role as agents of change in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and even beyond."

Enhancing Women's Role in Industry
Ahead of the upcoming forum, the head of the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain emphasized that the role of women was a prominent topic, particularly on the day dedicated to women's empowerment at the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit.

Dr. Hashim said, "I spoke about what we have done to enhance the role of women in industry, especially in the Gulf countries, how this role can be supported, and the most pressing needs, whether through research centers, public-private partnerships, universities, financial institutions, science and technology parks, or industrial incubators."

Voices of the Future
During our conversation, Dr. Hashim insisted that "the voices of the future" are those who give hope for a better tomorrow. From this perspective, he stressed the importance of listening to the voices of young people and allowing them to "steer the course of change." This was evident in one of the panel discussions moderated by Dr. Hashem during the UNIDO General Conference, which included young people from Morocco, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, and Nigeria.

He said, "These young people spoke about their successes, as well as the challenges they faced in achieving those successes."

The most significant conclusion reached by the participants was how to provide a suitable environment at the national and regional levels, in terms of education, services, and development, to empower and support these young people. Dr. Hashem concluded by saying, "The voices of the future are our goal, our hope, and our dream."