Women entrepreneurs must be recognized as the architects of economic transformation, not merely beneficiaries, according to a declaration issued at the close of the World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum (WEIF) in Bahrain this week.
The Manama Declaration, released on February 14, 2026, places women at the center of global economic change, emphasizing that empowering them within business and innovation ecosystems is crucial for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth. The declaration also calls for increased representation of women in emerging sectors – the green, blue, and orange economies – which focus on environmental responsibility, sustainable ocean resource management, and creative industries, respectively.
Organized by the UN Industrial Development Organization’s (UNIDO) Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, the forum brought together leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from around the world to foster a more resilient global economy and unlock opportunities for women-led businesses.
For many attendees, the forum yielded concrete results. Doris Martin, CEO of DMartin Consultancy in Bahrain, secured partnerships with companies in the United Arab Emirates and Morocco through business-to-business meetings facilitated during the event. “This forum has been effective for me,” Martin told UN News. “I’ve had B2B collaboration with regional companies through Bahrain and through UNIDO.”
Tosin Arwejulo, CEO of Leadership Excel Consultancy and a Nigerian-American entrepreneur based in Bahrain, described the forum as a “powerful networking platform,” adding, “I’ve had the opportunity to talk to people from literally every continent. It has been an amazing opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders.”
The forum’s impact extended beyond the Arab region. Ayanthi Gurusinghe, President of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka, attended alongside delegates from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Participants exchanged insights, particularly regarding access to finance, a common challenge for women entrepreneurs across South Asia. “It was a good opportunity for networking, to come together, share views, learn and exchange experiences,” Gurusinghe said, praising UNIDO for creating a space for global connections.
The WEIF also highlighted inclusive entrepreneurship through exhibitions, including one focused on “Determined Creative Entrepreneur.” Nisreen Samour of Micro Art Center in Bahrain, which trains and develops artistic talent among individuals with disabilities, showcased her work. “Today, we have about nine students participating, each specializing in an artistic field that aligns with their interests and abilities,” Samour explained. The center also supports orphans, fostering independence and self-reliance through creative skills development.
The role of higher education in preparing women for entrepreneurship was a recurring theme. Dr. Nihal Al-Najjar, a professor at the Royal University for Women in Bahrain, emphasized the need to integrate entrepreneurship into academic curricula as a methodology, not just a subject. “We encourage students to think, innovate and identify gaps in society, and then work to find solutions,” she said, advocating for universities to connect students with mentorship, funding, and professional networks.
The World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum followed the annual conference of the International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC), a New York-based NGO supporting women-owned businesses. UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller described women’s entrepreneurship as a driving force for sustainable development, innovation, and economic inclusion. “We must ensure that women everywhere have a level playing field and are given the opportunity to unlock their full potential,” he stated, acknowledging persistent barriers to finance, technology, and skilled roles for women globally. He also noted UNIDO’s recent efforts to establish recovery programs in Syria, Sudan, and Palestine, emphasizing the disproportionate impact of crises on women.
IWEC Chair Ibukun Awosika highlighted women’s transformative role as engines of business and leadership, stating, “What women represent to the world is 50 per cent of its assets — productive, constructive assets that are game changers when fully deployed.”
IWEC recognized new awardees from the Middle East and Africa during the Bahrain forum. Sonia Mohamed Janahi, founder of Maya La Chocolaterie, credited UNIDO with supporting her expansion from Bahrain to Africa, including establishing a cocoa processing plant in Côte d’Ivoire. “UNIDO has played a particularly vital role in my progression. They have taken my project and opened opportunities for me,” she said. Oluwakelemi, a Nigerian entrepreneur in the gifting and lifestyle retail sector, discussed her business’s impact on household incomes in Nigeria and her plans for international expansion, noting that her business has benefited over 5,000 people.
The IWEC has recognized 575 women entrepreneurs globally, nominated by partner organizations and honored annually at its conferences.
