International Chamber of Commerce,
ESCWA launch entrepreneurship center

Platform to serve Arab region

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) have launched a Beirut-based entrepreneurship center to serve the entire Arab region.

The Center aims to mentor startups and entrepreneurs, connect them to global markets, enhance regulatory conditions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and develop the skills of young people who face uncertain employment prospects.

“The Centre will serve as a platform to scale globally the most successful local and regional entrepreneurial initiatives driven by chambers of commerce and innovative partners. Leveraging digital connectivity, the Centre will pair entrepreneurs with experts from the United Nations and ICC’s global network to provide virtual mentoring and coaching,” ICC and ESCWA said in a statement. “The Centre will also draw upon the strength of chambers of commerce in over 100 countries, ICC’s Knowledge Solutions Department, and ESCWA’s Knowledge Hubs.”

Besides ICC and ESCWA, the Centre will also be supported through partnerships with local, regional and international entities, including Berytech, Facebook, and the two international firms innovation consultancy Mind the Bridge and learning company Pearson.

“These partnerships will strengthen the Centre’s mission and purpose, as well as strengthen public-private initiatives to rebuild Beirut, digitize SMEs, improve livelihoods, and create new economic opportunities for those living in the Arab region,” according to the statement.

The Centre will host a series of talks to address structural challenges facing markets, including youth employment, gender inclusion, and education.