As seventy countries around the world hosted 11,000 activities for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2008, Morocco and Bahrain represented the Arab World by hosting their own unique activities from November 16th – 23rd. Here’s what happened in Bahrain.

With an estimated 10-15 million people unemployed in the Arab World, the Entrepreneurship Week highlighted the value that these young leaders can bring to the region. “Although the Arab World has the highest level of unemployment in the world, it does not have to remain like this,” said: Mr. Johmani. Current predictions estimate that by the end of 2009 there could be as many as 25 million people unemployed in the Arab World.

Exchanging ideas and opinions the young entrepreneurs in Bahrain were able to talk freely with other aspiring visionaries about their own business ideas and ventures. During the "Global Entrepreneurship Week" the students were divided into four groups. For one intense week they worked together, sharing ideas and taking part in a variety of activities, seminars and events for young entrepreneurs. The Global Entrepreneurship Week in Bahrain was organized by O2 Marketing Communications and hosted by AMA University in Manama. It was attended by youth from all over the world.

As the first worldwide celebration of enterprise, GEW aims to unleash young people’s enterprising ideas and address some of society’s biggest issues, from poverty reduction through to climate change. 

GEW is an initiative of Kauffman Foundation, a leading global organization that takes care of young business leaders. It is co-sponsored by IBM, Ernst and Young, and NYSE. It is organized by O2 Marketing Communications and hosted by AMA University in Manama.

“By encouraging young people with entrepreneurial talent to pursue their passions we will help create a better world,” concluded Mr. Johamni in his closing speech.

For more details on Global Entrepreneurship Week please visit www.unleashingideas.org