The declaration places women at the center of economic transformation and emphasizes that Empowering them within business and innovation ecosystems is essential to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth..
also asks strengthen the presence of women in emerging sectors, including the green, blue and orange economies that respectively promote environmental responsibility, sustainable use of ocean resources and creativity.
Hosted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, the forum convened leaders, investors and entrepreneurs from around the world to shape a more resilient global economy and unlock new opportunities for women-led businesses.
Women entrepreneurs gather on stage at the International Women Entrepreneur Challenge 2026 in Manama, Bahrain.
“An incredible opportunity”
For many participants, the forum yielded tangible results.
Doris Martin, CEO of DMartin Consultancy in Bahrain, came looking for a meaningful collaboration and found it.
Through business-to-business (B2B) meetings facilitated during the event, it established partnerships with companies in the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.
“This forum has been effective for me,” he said. UN News. “I have collaborated B2B with regional companies through Bahrain and UNIDO.”
Tosin Arwejulo, CEO of Leadership Excel Consultancy and a Nigerian-American entrepreneur based in Bahrain, described the forum as a “powerful networking platform.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to talk to people from literally every continent,” he said. “It has been an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders.”
From left to right: Tosin Arwejulo, CEO of Leadership Excel Consultancy and Nigerian-American entrepreneur based in Bahrain, and Doris Martin, CEO of DMartin Consultancy in Bahrain (middle).
Shared challenges, shared solutions
The impact of the forum extended beyond the Arab region.
Ayanthi Gurusinghe, president of the Ceylon Chamber of Businesswomen in Sri Lanka and representative of the South Asian Women’s Development Forum, attended along with delegates from India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
She said participants shared valuable lessons, particularly around access to finance, a challenge faced by women entrepreneurs in all regions.
“It was a good opportunity to network, meet, share opinions, learn and exchange experiences,” he said, expressing gratitude to UNIDO for creating a space where global connections could flourish.
Ayanthi Gurusinghe, president of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka and representative of the South Asia Women’s Development Forum, at WEIF 2026 in Bahrain.
Special attention to artists with disabilities.
Beyond the panel discussions and networking sessions, the forum also highlighted inclusive entrepreneurship through three exhibitions, including “Determined Creative Entrepreneur.”
Among the exhibitors was Nisreen Samour from the Micro Art Center in Bahrain, which specializes in the training and development of artistic talent, with special attention to artists with disabilities.
“Today about nine students are participating, each of whom specializes in an artistic field that aligns with their interests and abilities,” he said.
“I personally train them and we are currently working on developing their skills and empowering them to produce professional works of art that will help them effectively enter the art market and the job market, thus contributing to greater productivity and the overall performance of the center,” he said. UN News.
The center also works with orphans, helping them develop artistic skills and display their work publicly, encouraging independence and self-sufficiency through creativity.
Nisreen Samour of the Micro Art Center in Bahrain, which specializes in the training and development of artistic talent, with special attention to artists with disabilities.
The role of the academy
A recurring theme was The role of higher education in preparing young women to enter the world of entrepreneurship..
In an interview with UN NewsDr. Nihal Al-Najjar, professor at the Royal Bahrain Women’s University, highlighted the need to deeply integrate entrepreneurship into academic systems.
“Our academic role is to integrate entrepreneurship not only as a subject, but as a methodology,” he said, explaining that experiential learning and practical application are key. “We encourage students to think, innovate and identify gaps in society and then work to find solutions.”
He added that universities must go beyond classroom teaching and connect students with a broader business ecosystem, guiding them toward mentorship, funding opportunities and professional networks when they are ready to launch their own projects.
Dina Najar at WEIF2026 in Manama, Bahrain, covering the Sustainable Development Goals.
An engine for sustainable development
The World Entrepreneurs and Investment Forum (WEIF) was preceded by the annual conference of the International Women Business Challenge (IWEC), a New York-based NGO that helps women-owned businesses grow.
Speaking at the conference, UNIDO Director-General Gerd Müller described women’s entrepreneurship as a driving force for sustainable development, global innovation and economic inclusion.
“We must ensure that women around the world have a level playing field and have the opportunity to realize their full potential.” she stated, highlighting persistent barriers to finance, technology and higher-skilled roles for women globally.
Reaffirming UNIDO’s commitment, she added that “empowering women is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.” The 17 SDGs, adopted by governments in 2015, provide a blueprint for a more just and equitable future for all people and the planet.
Mr Müller praised Bahrain’s leadership in supporting women’s entrepreneurship and economic participation and highlighted UNIDO’s ongoing work in crisis-affected countriespointing out, “UNIDO has just started working to establish recovery programs in Syria, Sudan and Palestine… mainly the women there are affected and need our support.“t.”
Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO, speaking at the International Conference of Women Entrepreneurs in Bahrain 2026.
Women as a business driver
In her opening remarks, the President of IWEC, Ibukun Awosika, highlighted The transformative role of women as drivers of business, leadership and national progress..
She emphasized that women constitute half of the world’s productive assets and, when empowered, become game-changers in corporate and political leadership. Drawing on her own journey, Ms Awosika recalled building a manufacturing group for 36 years before becoming the first and only female president of sub-Saharan Africa’s oldest financial institution, the First Bank of Nigeria.
“What women represent to the world is 50 percent of its assets: productive and constructive assets that are game-changers when fully utilized,” she said.
“Every nation that has enough wisdom to invest and upgrade the talent in 50 percent of its population is a country that is destined to win..”
HE Mrs Ibukun Awo, President of IWECC, speaking at WEIF2026 in Bahrain.
Success stories from Bahrain and Nigeria
According to its website, the International Women Entrepreneurs Challenge (IWEC) has recognized 575 distinguished global awardees, honored annually at its conferences and nominated by partner organizations, representing women-owned businesses from around the world.
In Bahrain, IWEC recognized a new group of awardees from the Middle East and Africa.
Among them was Sonia Mohamed Janahi, founder of Maya La Chocolaterie, who highlighted UNIDO’s role in advancing women’s entrepreneurship.
With the support of UNIDO, Janahi expanded its Bahraini chocolate brand to Africa, establishing a cocoa processing plant in Côte d’Ivoire, creating jobs, promoting ethical supply chains and ensuring global recognition of chocolate produced in Africa.
Official photo of the WEIF2026 event in Manama, Bahrain.
“UNIDO has played a very important role in my progression. “They have taken my project and opened opportunities for me,” he said. UN Newsunderlining UNIDO’s commitment to recognizing women entrepreneurs in Bahrain, the Middle East and Africa.
“This event represents women globally and the more than $6 billion in investments that unite women globally. It rewards women who have not only started a business, but have sustained and expanded it and have had an impact on the economy and society.”
Also honored was Nigerian businesswoman Oluwakelemi, who spoke about her gift and lifestyle retail business, which employs women and supports household incomes across Nigeria as it prepares to expand internationally.
“I am passionate about building scalable African businesses with global reach,” he said. UN News. “No less than 5,000 people have been able to benefit from our business, from our work.”