The Syria chapter of the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) officially launched its activities in the capital, Damascus, marking the first time the global event has been hosted in the country. Operating under the theme “Together We Build,” the week-long series of events is a significant step aimed at energizing the local startup ecosystem and reinforcing the role of innovation in economic recovery.
The launch, officially sponsored by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, saw high-level international representation, including the Head of the European Union Mission to Syria, Mikhail Unmacht. The week’s programming is set to underscore the country’s desire to re-engage with the global tech community following a period of political transition.
Driving Startup and Economic Recovery
The GEW activities are strategically designed to champion youth initiatives, support emerging projects, and enhance the environment for innovation and economic growth, particularly within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Key objectives include highlighting the innovative spirit of Syrian entrepreneurs and showcasing how entrepreneurship can support social and economic recuperation. The focus areas for the events will cover general entrepreneurship, women’s leadership in business, and the critical topics of financing and investment.
An Extensive National Program
The inaugural GEW will feature an extensive calendar of events across the country. With over 75 activities planned, the program will span 25 cities and towns across all governorates, underscoring a broad national effort to foster entrepreneurial activity at the grassroots level. This wide geographical distribution suggests a concerted push to decentralize entrepreneurial support and promote local ecosystem development across Syria.
A Signal of Stability and Re-engagement
The successful organization of a major global event like GEW for the first time in Syria is seen as a strong indicator of a renewed sense of stability and a desire to return to the international stage for technology and business projects. The presence of senior international figures further validates the event’s stature and the country’s path toward rebuilding its economic landscape with a focus on its emerging tech sector.
About Global Entrepreneurship Week
The Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an international initiative launched in 2008 by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) to celebrate and inspire entrepreneurs worldwide. Held every November, GEW engages millions of people in nearly 200 countries through local, national, and global activities designed to help them unleash their ideas and start new ventures. The campaign aims to connect entrepreneurs to potential collaborators, mentors, and investors, strengthening ecosystems globally.
Source: وكالة الأناضول
