BAKU – Today, the United States Government, working through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) sponsored a conference on “Developing Women’s Entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan” as part of the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Week.

The event brought members of parliament and representatives from government agencies, public unions, international organizations, embassies, and think tanks together to discuss ways to overcome obstacles to the advancement of women’s entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan, and to emphasize the role women can play in economic diversification. 

USAID/Azerbaijan Mission Director Mikaela Meredith noted “Supporting entrepreneurship is a top priority of the United States Government. Entrepreneurship generates employment and contributes to stability and prosperity.” She also added: “Women play a powerful economic role when they are able to create, grow, and manage their own businesses. Around the world, economies thrive in countries where women have the opportunity to fulfill their economic aspirations. Women can turn their ideas into reality and transform the world around them with a great idea, and hard work, as long as they are given the resources to do so.” Mission Director Meredith also positively noted the steps that the Government of Azerbaijan has recently taken to facilitate business growth. 

Mr. Ghulam Isaczai, the UN Resident Coordinator and the UNDP Resident Representative, said “The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda views the expansion of women’s entrepreneurship as an important accelerator in eradication of poverty, elimination of inequality, progress towards global universal education and quality healthcare for all. To strengthen women entrepreneurship, we need the continuous support of all actors including the UN system, relevant government agencies, civil society, media and the expert community. At UNDP Azerbaijan, we are proud to have dedicated a considerable share of our resources to assisting women entrepreneurs, promoting businesswomen role models and advocating for better policies to boost women’s active and rewarding participation in the private sector.”

Launched in 2008, Global Entrepreneurship Week is an important annual event that recognizes innovators and job creators that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth, and expand human welfare through business activities. From November 13-19, millions of people around the world will participate in events and competitions that will inspire, connect, and engage the next generation of entrepreneurs.