The World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF) has concluded in Bahrain, culminating in the issuance of the “Manama Declaration.” The declaration firmly positions young people as active partners in global economic transformation, rather than mere beneficiaries, while also emphasizing women’s empowerment and the strategic integration of the green, blue, and orange economies.
The Manama Declaration A Blueprint For Inclusive Growth
The Manama Declaration, adopted at the forum’s conclusion, serves as a call to action for governments, financial institutions, and the private sector. It advocates for the integration of a youth perspective in investment, policy design, and national development strategies.
Key tenets of the declaration include funding youth-led technologies and projects, fostering youth leadership in emerging sectors like green tech and digital innovation, and empowering women as a crucial factor for inclusive growth. The declaration also calls for bridging the digital divide, promoting creative industries, and urging the international community to work towards ending conflicts to ensure economic recovery and stability.
UNIDO Awards Spotlight Regional Innovators
The forum’s closing ceremony featured the 2025 United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Awards. This year’s competition, themed “Creative Orange Economy: Innovating the Future,” received over 800 applications from around the world.
Several MENA-based female entrepreneurs were recognized in the Cultural Heritage category. First place was awarded to “Art Station,” a non-profit organization from Bahrain. Sudanese fashion designer Hyam Hamidah secured second place, and Sara Jomaa from Tunisia won third place for her project focused on reviving Tunisian craft motifs using silver and natural materials.
“We celebrate culture and heritage at a time when Sudan is going through very difficult circumstances,” said Hyam Hamidah. “I urge Sudanese women to use their skills as a means to bring income to their families and at the same time stay connected to their heritage, which is a very rich heritage.”
Voices Of The Future Youth And Academia Take Center Stage
The forum provided a significant platform for young leaders from across the region. The “Voices of the Future: Youth Speak” panel featured participants from Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Jordan, Bahrain, and Sudan.
Palestinian entrepreneur Ahmed Diriya highlighted the resilience of his peers. “We cannot deny that the political and security situation on the ground is difficult,” he said. “But despite all the circumstances, I see that we have an opportunity, and we try, as much as possible, as young people to take our roles in order to improve people’s conditions and increase opportunities for young men and women.”
The critical role of education in fostering the next generation of founders was also a key topic. Dr. Nehal Al Naggar, a professor at the Royal University for Women in Bahrain, explained their approach. “Our academic role is to integrate the element of entrepreneurship, not just as a subject to be taught, but as an educational methodology based on entrepreneurial methods, i.e., learning based on experience and practical application,” she stated. “Our role is to develop curricula, guide students, and provide them with opportunities to discover their abilities and develop their skills, in addition to connecting them to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
About The World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum
The World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum (WEIF) is a premier global event organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain (ITPO Bahrain). It brings together business leaders, experts, academic institutions, and financial organizations to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, with a focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: UN News
