The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has announced the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) AWE4Ukraine Summit. Scheduled for June 10-13 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, this event aims to rejuvenate Ukraine’s business landscape by fostering collaboration and growth among Ukrainian women entrepreneurs.
The Summit’s Purpose and Significance
The AWE4Ukraine Summit serves as a critical initiative to support Ukrainian women entrepreneurs, many of whom have faced unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing conflict in their homeland. Through leveraging U.S. business expertise and technology, the summit aims to revitalize Ukraine’s entrepreneurial landscape and promote sustainable economic growth.
Event Details and Participants
Who’s Attending?
The summit will gather 73 Ukrainian AWE alumni, including those who completed the AWE program in Ukraine and others who continued their training in various European countries due to the conflict.
These countries include Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Portugal, and Slovenia. This diverse group brings a wealth of experience and perspectives, enhancing the potential for meaningful collaboration and innovation.
Activities and Agenda
The AWE4Ukraine Summit will feature a variety of activities designed to enhance business acumen and foster cross-border collaboration. Key activities include:
- Workshops on strategic planning, marketing, and finance.
- Panel Discussions with experts and successful entrepreneurs.
- Networking Opportunities to build lasting connections and partnerships.
U.S. Speaker Kate Isler, CEO of the e-commerce site TheWMarketplace, will deliver the keynote address, providing valuable insights into the e-commerce industry and sharing her journey as a successful entrepreneur.
Main Activities at AWE4Ukraine Summit
Activity |
Description |
|---|---|
| Workshops | Strategic planning, marketing, finance |
| Panel Discussions | Insights from experts and successful entrepreneurs |
| Networking | Building connections and partnerships |
| Keynote Address | Insights by Kate Isler, CEO of TheWMarketplace |
Supporting Ukraine’s Economic Future
Cross-Border Collaboration
One of the summit’s primary goals is to foster cross-border collaboration among Ukrainian AWE alumni. By creating an enduring peer-to-peer community, the summit aims to establish a support network that can drive innovation and growth in Ukraine’s entrepreneurial sector.
Long-Term Impact
The summit aligns with the U.S. Strategy on Global Women’s Economic Security, which envisions a world where women and girls can fully and equally contribute to and benefit from economic growth. By empowering Ukrainian women entrepreneurs, the summit supports this vision and contributes to building a resilient and thriving Ukrainian economy.
Slovenian Support
The United States commends Slovenia for its tremendous support of the Ukrainian people during Russia’s war of aggression. Slovenia’s warm welcome to refugees and its assistance to Ukraine have been invaluable. Hosting the AWE4Ukraine Summit in Ljubljana underscores this commitment and provides a conducive environment for fostering entrepreneurial growth.
Broader U.S. Commitment
Global Women’s Economic Security
The AWE program is a flagship initiative that promotes entrepreneurship through increased trade and economic opportunities. By supporting women entrepreneurs, the U.S. demonstrates its commitment to global economic security and prosperity.
Future Plans
The United States is also planning to host the first AWE alumni conference in Africa, which will gather approximately 100 AWE alumni from several African countries in Tanzania. This conference will address entrepreneurship, access to capital, business management, and marketing, with a focus on expanding export capacity and promoting inclusive gender policies.
To Sum Up
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs AWE4Ukraine Summit is a pivotal event that showcases the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukrainian women entrepreneurs. By fostering collaboration, enhancing business skills, and building a robust network, the summit aims to create sustainable economic growth and a resilient entrepreneurial landscape in Ukraine.
As the world watches, these efforts underscore the importance of global support and cooperation in times of crisis.
Sources: THX News, Federal Grants, White House & US Department of State.
