Issue 5 October – December 2018
Contents GITEX Future Stars Pavilion ..................................................................................................... 3 Youth and Technology 4th Symposium: Information Economy ......................................... 3 Those Who Inspire: .................................................................................................................. 4 Book Launch ............................................................................................................................. 4 Manama Entrepreneurship week 2018 .................................................................................. 4 Yalla Social: Kick off your Business on Social Media ............................................................ 5 Islamic Creative Economy Competition ................................................................................. 7 1ST Health and Wellness Cluster Symposium ........................................................................ 8 Official Delegation from Mauritania Completes Training of Trainers ................................ 9 The Annual Arab Banking Conference ................................................................................ 10 Hawa Al Bahrain Conference and Festival .......................................................................... 12 Green Industrial Development: Pathways Towards a Circular Economy ......................... 13 UNIDO ITPO Italy and UNIDO ITPO Bahrain join hands ................................................... 14 Innovate Green Competition Launch .................................................................................. 14 Upcoming: .............................................................................................................................. 15 The 1st Arab Corporate Citizenship Forum ............................................................................................... 15 International Brands and Franchise Expo - 2019 (IBFEX) .................................................................. 15 Winners Football Center (WFC): Fawaz Albinmohamed ................................................... 15 2
GITEX Future Stars Pavilion 14th – 17th October 2018 Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates A Signing ceremony and exchange of letters was held for UNIDO ITPO Bahrain to be an “Event Partner” for the “GITEX Future Stars: Bahrain Pavilion” held in partnership with BTECH, WorkSmart and Tamkeen, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates. GITEX Future Stars is an event dedicated to start-ups is one of the leading technology events in the region and it took place during the GITEX Technology Week bringing about 150,000 attendees including start-ups, investors, innovators and many others from over 180 countries. Attendees came together to share an experience that involved networking, workshops, conferences , as well as a competition where a number of startups pitched in front of an international jury; GITEX Future Stars Supernova Challenge”. Beirut-based start-up “ Spike” was named The Supernova champion and won the grand cash prize of $100,000, while other start-ups were made category winners and received other rewards. Youth and Technology 4th Symposium: Information Economy 20th October 2018 The Wyndham Grand, Manama Under the Patronage of Mr. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of Information & eGovernment Authoirty, UNIDO ITPO Bahrain partnered with YouthTech to hold their 4th Forum which aimed to help increase youth activity in the IT sector through relevant discussions and activities. Secondary to this, the YouthTech4 also worked to promote the Sustainable Development Goals and Bahrain‟s 2030 Vision amongst Bahraini youth. Various speakers, Including Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO ITPO Bahrain, took part in the conference to discuss relevant and important topics related to youth engagement and the importance of the SDG‟s. Additionally, an exhibition was held within the Forum, which provided an opportunity for promising and emerging businesses in the field of information technology to showcase their products. 3
Manama Entrepreneurship week 2018 21st-25th October 2018 EDIP graduate Fawaz Albinmohamed, posing next to HE Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa (right). The Capital Governorate launched the 4th Manama Entrepreneurship Week with the participation of Tamkeen, and under the patronage of Capital Governor Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa. The weeklong event will include a host of activities, lectures, meetings and workshops by local, regional and international speakers with high expertise in entrepreneurship. Those Who Inspire: Book Launch 22nd October 2018 Qal‟at al-Bahrain, Bahrain Under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Hisham Bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, a gathering took place in a historical setting to celebrate the inspiring people of Bahrain featured in the book "Those who inspire-Bahrain". Among the more than 50 inspirational personalities featured in the book were Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO ITPO Bahrain and Dr. Amal Al Jowder, UNIDO ITPO's Health & Wellness expert, as well as some of UNIDO ITPO EDIP graduates including Fawaz Albinmohamed, founder of “Winners Football center Bahrain WLL”. EDIP graduate Huda Janahi, posing next to HE Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa. Co-founders Marlene Plomik & Delphine Barets started a company which specifically designs books to inspire young people, these profiles of inspiring people featured in the book are simply those who add value to the people around them while living out their own dreams at the same time. In 2018 those who inspire launched in 3 countries so far including Kuwait, Mexico and Lebanon, and now; Bahrain. This ever-expanding collection of country focused books featured a unique selection of inspiring people from different backgrounds, yet who share the same passion, determination and a unique perspective on life. These personalities, through this book, share their passion, experiences, successes and failures thereby providing priceless insights to today's generation and the youth. 4
According to their website: "The mission of Those Who Inspire is: to boldly encourage Millennials to pursue their dreams, believe in themselves, and help them find reliable role models and mentors in their own country". Yalla Social: Kick off your Business on Social Media 25th October 2018 UN House, Manama, Bahrain Under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Hisham Bin AbdulRahman AlKhalifa, Governor of the Capital Governate, and during the Manama Entrepreneurship week (MEW), ITPO Bahrain took part in a workshop was held by the social media club Bahrain 5
in cooperation with Tafawuq Consulting Center for Development, and Legend PAPI for marketing and advertising, and UNDP Bahrain and with the support of Tamkeen as a strategic partner. The workshop, titled “yalla social: Start your entrepreneurial project through social media/ kick off your business on social media”. This workshop, which aimed to provide Bahrain, particularly its youth with the skills they need to successfully manage t their businesses through social media included 6 speakers among them, Mr. Afif Barhoumi of ITPO Bahrain who spoke about the importance of social media and all new technologies in the success of today‟s business endeavors. UN Day 25th October 2018 UN House, Manama, Bahrain UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 and since 1948, October 24 continues to be celebrated as United Nations Day. Group photo with HE Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa (Center). Mr. Afif Barhoumi of UNIDO ITPO Bahrain, during speech. 6 This year, ITPO Bahrain participated in the celebrations by educating the youth about the United Nations and ITPO ’ s role in the wider vision whereas a group of school students were invited to the UN House in Bahrain where they were briefed about the separate yet unified work done by the various United Nations agencies based in Bahrain including UNIDO ITPO. This was followed by an interactive session where the students were given an opportunity to ask questions and exchanges ideas.
government officials, business leaders and industry experts. Valuable insights and thoughtprovoking discussions were held during the 2-day high-level summit and this included interactive sessions, panel discussions, speeches and presentations as well as the Creative Economy Competition; whereby Dr. Hashim was one of the main international Judges. Islamic Creative Economy Competition 30th - 31st October 2018 Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates ITPO Bahrain joined hands with the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre and Culture & Arts Authority to organize the first Islamic Creative Economy Competition. The competitionran during the Global Islamic Economy Summit; organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre in cooperation with Thomson Reuters as a Strategic Partner, and Held under the theme “A Shared Future”. The 4th edition of the GIES hassuccessfully retained its place as the world‟s largest and most comprehensive forum dedicated to the Islamic economy. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, GIES 2018 brought together over 3000 attendees among them decision makers, policymakers, 7 Powered by the Kauffman Foundation, the weeklong initiative takes place every November, and it is supported by dozens of world leaders as well as a network of more than 15,000 partner organizations. During the aforementioned week of November, thousands of events will take place globally all with the shared intention of increasing entrepreneurial activity through connecting collaborators, mentors and investors to existing and/or aspiring entrepreneurs and with the participation of field experts, policy-makers, Academia, and others. Global entrepreneurship Week 2018 12th – 18th November 2018
1ST Health and Wellness Cluster Symposium 7th November 2018 InterContinental Regency hotel, Manama, Bahrain Under the Patronage of President of the Supreme Council of Health, and with the support of Tamkeen as a strategic partner, UNIDO ITPO Bahrain cooperated with Aspire Action Achievement to organise and hold the Kingdom of Bahrain‟s first “Health and Wellness Cluster Symposium”. The symposium, which included speeches, presentations and group work, and many discussions among The symposium brought together 17 entities including NGO‟s, Banks, governmental entities as well as entrepreneurs, through innovative and creative solutions in health and wellness field. H.E. Lieutenant Dr. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council of Health, seated during the event next to Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO ITPO Bahrain (right); Mr. Sami Dimassi, Regional director of UNE Bahrain (2nd right); Mr. Samir Aldarabi, Director of UNIC Bahrain (3rd right); H.E. Faeqa bint Saeed AL-Saleh, Minister of Health (left); and Mr. Amin El Sharkawi United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative (second left). all aimed towards improving the national position in the health and wellness field, through the contribution of all stakeholders. The symposium commenced with the opening speech delivered by H.E. Lieutenant Dr. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council of Health. Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of the UNIDO Investment & Technology Promotion Office also delivered a speech during which he expressed the need for a strategic partnership between the public and private sectors to expedite a solution for problems relating to health. He also stressed that Entrepreneurs and investors can play an important role in promoting health 8
made official visits to Business Incubators and various Bahraini entrepreneurs and had the opportunity to shadow UNIDO ITPO Bahrain‟s 103rd Batch of EDIP participants. The delegation from Mauritania will play a key role in the implementation of an EDIP course in Mauritania in the future. Dr. Amal Al Jowder, UNIDO Health Promotion Expert and Founder and President of Aspire Action Achievement Consultancy and Events, during speech. Official Delegation from Mauritania Completes Training of Trainers 8th November 2018 Manama, Bahrain UNIDO ITPO Bahrain conducted another successful EDIP Training of Trainers for an official delegation from Mauritania. In addition to attending the EDIP program, the delegation also 9
MENA Arab Banking and Financial Week - “Public Private Partnership for achieving SDGs” 12th-16th November 2018 private sector contribution in financing sustainable development in its various forms. Under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Saad Hariri, the Prime Minister of Lebanon, the Union of Arab Banks has organized the “MENA Arab Banking and financial week: Public Private Partnerships for Achieving SDG‟s” in Beirut from Nov 12th – 16th , which also coincides with the UAB‟s 45th Anniversary. The financial week encompassed a number of events on the side of the main event; The “Annual Arab Banking Conference 2018”which was organized in cooperation with UNIDO Investment & Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, the Union of Arab Chamber‟s, the Global Entrepreneurship Network and the Arab International Center for Entrepreneurship and Investment in Bahrain. Among many others. The topics of discussion included; Sustainable Development Challenges facing the Arab Region; Partnership for Development; The Legislative and institutional frameworks necessary for The Annual Arab Banking Conference 15th -16th November 2018 Phoenicia Hotel, Beirut, Lebanon Under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Saad Hariri, the Prime Minister of Lebanon and on the occasion of the 45th Anniversary of the Union of Arab Banks; The United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Investment & Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain and Global Entrepreneurship Week are coorganizing The Annual Arab Banking Conference under the theme “Participation of the Private Sector in Achieving SDGs”. The Annual Arab Banking Conference aimed to develop a road-map to deal with the economic and social challenges in the Arab region, and to highlight the importance of the Arab 10 the success of partnerships; and “Financial Inclusion for Women & Youth in the MENA Regio” which was chaired by Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head UNIDO ITPO Bahrainand it included a number of officials and international experts; namely; Dr. Khaled Hanafy, Secretary General, Union of Arab Chambers; Ms. Buke Cuhadar, Vice President, Global Entrepreneurship Network, USA; Dr. Abla Abdel Latif, Chair Presidential Advisory Council for Economic Development, Egypt; and Mr. Baybars Altuntas, Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum. In addition to that the panel featured successful case studies where the Bahrain Model is being implemented like the Mohamed 5th Foundation in Morocco, the Development Fund in Mauritania, the Family Bank in Sudan and the Lebanon Fund for Development & Innovation. It is worth noting that the outcomes and recommendations of the panel will be officially submitted to the 2019 Arab Economic and Social Development summit to be held in Beirut.
the Bahrain Model implemented in 52 countries around the world. The Conference was also attended by a number of UNIDO ITPO‟s partners Council of Arab Businesswomen and Arab Organization for Agricultural Development. which included a number of officials and international experts; namely; Dr. Khaled Hanafy, Secretary General, Union of Arab Chambers; Ms. Buke Cuhadar, Vice President, Global Entrepreneurship Network, USA; Dr. Abla Abdel Latif, Chair Presidential Advisory Council for Economic Development, Egypt; and Mr. Baybars Altuntas, Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum. In addition to that the panel featured successful case studies where the Bahrain Model is being implemented like the Mohamed 5th Foundation in Morocco, the Development Fund in Mauritania, the Family Bank in Sudan and the Lebanon Fund for Development & Innovation. It is worth noting that the outcomes and recommendations of the panel will be officially submitted to the 2019 Arab Economic and Social Development summit to be held in Beirut. HE Dr. Ibrahim Al Dukheri, Secretary General of The Arab Organization for Agricultural Development introducing UNIDO The UNIDO ITPO Bahrain involvement came in line with the long experience and the successes achieved through 11
Women in Innovation in Entrepreneurship: Achieving Sustainable Development Goals 26th November 2018 Riyadat Mall, Manama, Bahrain The “Women & Innovation Forum: Achieving the SDG‟s”, organized by Bahrain Business Women Society and supported by UNIDO ITPO was held to identify the barriers or challenges that might be hindering the growth of women in innovation and entrepreneurship and the ways to overcome these challenges through an integrated approach combining research and Academia, discussions among stakeholders, experts, and successful entrepreneurs while also highlighting and celebrating the many positive challenges and improvements that took place in this area. For many, the high-level and variety of participants in the forum was an opportunity to expand networks and potentially build new partnerships. Others were inspired to embark on their own innovative entrepreneurial journey‟s. In relation to the UN‟s 2030 vision, the central role of innovation in achieving the SDG‟s was emphasized and through discussions that included sharing good practices and success stories a key action plan was identified aiming to further innovation especially among women in the country. Hawa Al Bahrain Conference and Festival the 27th November 2018, Sheraton Hotel, Manama, Bahrain In line with the 2015 workshop entitled “When Creativity meets Business: Sharing Stories of Women Entrepreneurs for Local Development” held in Matera under the bannerof “Matera Pavilion of Knowledge” and “Matera European Capital of Culture 2019”. ITPO Bahrain, the Region of Basilicata, the International Federation of Bahraini Business Professionals and Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre have developed a three-year program, in Bahrain, aimed at promoting investments and creative entrepreneurs especially women on both sides of the Mediterranean. Accordingly, in 2016, the focus was on Bahrain; in 2017 it shifted to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries and in 2018 the whole Arab Region and eventually in June 2019 it will encompass countries of the South and North of the Mediterranean and is to be hosted in Matera. Accordingly, ITPO Bahrain in cooperation with the Jasra Handicraft Center and through the support of the Matera – Basilicata 2019 Foundation organized “Hawa Al Bahrain Conference and Festival”; with the participation of 150 creative entrepreneurs who showcased their products. The event also featured a series of technical workshops conducted by ITPO Bahrain entrepreneurs as the world renowned 12
Dr. Azza Fahmy from Egypt, Mr. Fadi Yaziji from Syria in addition to Lebanese and Sudanese artisans. The workshops topics included jewellery design, painting and sculpting, decoupage, carpet weaving, glass work, etc. studies, while peer reviewed and unique exercises helped to increase participants‟ skills and effectiveness in designing and implementing policies, strategies and projects related to sustainable industrial development. The program covered topics such as dematerialisation, energy detoxification, efficiency, waste management and the principles of a circular economy, and how the concept of „Green Industry‟ can help improve industry‟s environmental and socio-economic performance. Green Industrial Development: Pathways Towards a Circular Economy 2-6 December 2018 Manama, Bahrain The UNIDO Capacity Development Institute in cooperation with ITPO Bahrain and the University of Bahrain organised a specialized capacity building program under the theme “Green Industrial Development: Pathways towards a circular economy”. The 5-day intensive program saw senior policy makers from Arab and Asian countries take part in seminars and group discussions designed to foster intense debates on case 13
UNIDO ITPO Italy and UNIDO ITPO Bahrain join hands 17th December 2018 Dubai, United Arab Emirates UNIDO ITPO Italy and UNIDO ITPO Bahrain are working together to establish links and networks between innovators, entrepreneurs, research and development centers from Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and Dubai. Innovate Green Competition Launch The Innovate Green Competition (IGC) is a cooperative initiative that aims to stimulate and unleash entrepreneurship and innovation within university students in the Middle East and North Africa. The competition will provide the students with an opportunity to make a positive impact on society by addressing environmental issues through social and technological innovation, whilst contributing to their own economic benefit. The competition is jointly organised by the United Nations Environment West Asia Regional Office and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Investment Technology and Promotions Office (ITPO) Bahrain, in cooperation with the University of Bahrain, with a focus on “Achieving the SDGs through Entrepreneurship & Innovation”. 14
Winners Football Center *All interested candidates will submit their applications online* To apply, please go to: www.innovategreencompetition.com For more information or inquiries please email: info@innovategreencompe00on.com *Deadline for submission: February 9th, 2019* Upcoming: The 1st Arab Corporate Citizenship Forum 23rd January 2019 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates International Brands and Franchise Expo - 2019 (IBFEX) 23rd -31st January 2018 Manama, Bahrain Fawaz is the Founder, Co-owner and Managing Director of Winners Football Center WLL (WFC). WFC was created with the vision to become the leading fitness center in the region with a focus on football. WFC‟s goal is to continue combining fun with health, and create a healthy social community. That is why the center offers more than just football and fitness programs such as gym and personal training, Yoga, Zumba, Boxing, etc.; it is also an entertaining atmosphere which offers a healthy coffee shop, a multipurpose hall and a lounge to play games and socialise. Additionally, WFC holds many corporate events and birthdays. Winners also strives to create a happy culture filled with positivity, that is why the employees in winners all share the same positive attitude and are treated like partners, not just employees. Although my educational and employment background is not related to health and fitness, fitness has always played a big part in my life and football has been a lifelong passion. 15 (WFC): Fawaz Albinmohamed
Making the decision to leave the corporate world and embark on this entrepreneurial journey was no easy as it came after thorough consideration, research, as well as personal development. In 2010 he joined the EDIP program with UNIDO ITPO Bahrain which helped build up his confidence as an entrepreneur and in 2012, while still working in a full-time job, he established WFC along with his partner Ebrahim AlSada who continues to be a shareholder and the general manager of the facility. When the business started growing his responsibilities did too, “I signed my resignation on my birthday, the 2nd of August 2015. It was like a gift to myself”, Fawaz adds. “I signed my resignation on my birthday, the 2nd of August 2015. It was like a “ gift to myself Although he found his purpose in entrepreneurship, Fawaz found that Working in different industries in the past has been very beneficial to him as the first-hand experience in handling projects and dealing with numbers are skills he continues to utilize in his business today. The biggest challenge for Fawaz and his partner when they were starting the business was finding a good 16 location, as well as finding support from the financial institutions in Bahrain because of the novelty of their business idea, which made some doubt its feasibility. Fawaz‟s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to avoid completely relying on other entities and individuals to do the hard work for them, emphasising that UNIDO ITPO and other supporting entities are merely tools but the real work must be carried out by the entrepreneurs themselves. Today, WFC is a highly successful family friendly fitness center suitable for both children and adults alike. What differentiates Winners from other fitness centers is the variety of the services provided which are constantly improved and added upon. Here, Fawaz would like to emphasise that working hard during the initial development of the business is not enough, and that one must work hard constantly and consistently not only to enter the market but to survive in it. When it comes to the future, Fawaz hopes to expand all over the gulf and create a bigger, healthier and happier community. To learn more about WFC go to their Website.
1 Publizr