Dhaka, Bangladesh - In a significant move to bolster the nation's burgeoning startup ecosystem, the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Bangladesh and the Youth Upskill Network (YUNet) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark collaboration, centered around the theme "Together We Build," is set to redefine the celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025, scheduled for November 17-23, with a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive growth, empowering youth, and tackling the core challenges faced by entrepreneurs across the country.
The partnership signals a strategic shift from the capital to all eight administrative divisions, with a strong focus on capacity building, enhancing access to markets, and creating viable funding pipelines for startups. This ambitious vision was a cornerstone of the discussions during the MoU signing ceremony, where both organizations emphasized the need to create tangible impact and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in every corner of Bangladesh, unlocking the vast, untapped potential residing outside the capital.
A Shared Vision for an Inclusive Ecosystem
At the heart of this collaboration is a shared commitment to building a more equitable and robust entrepreneurial landscape. Recognizing that a significant portion of talent lies outside Dhaka, the partnership will actively work to decentralize opportunities. This will involve a series of regional roadshows and youth networking events in rural and semi-urban areas, as outlined in the MoU.
Empowering the Next Generation
A central pillar of this collaboration is the empowerment of youth and women in entrepreneurship. YUNet, a global platform dedicated to youth empowerment through skill development and leadership opportunities, will spearhead a range of youth-focused activities including workshops, webinars, and bootcamps. YUNet will leverage its extensive network to mobilize youth from schools, colleges, and local communities, ensuring broad and diverse participation.
A Collaborative Approach to Overcoming Hurdles
The success of this ambitious undertaking hinges on a strong collaborative spirit. The discussions highlighted the importance of leveraging the strengths of various partners. This partnership creates a powerful synergy, combining GEN Bangladesh's global network and strategic resources with YUNet's grassroots expertise in mobilizing and upskilling young people. This collaboration is more than just a series of events; it's a strategic investment in the nation’s human capital.
About Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Bangladesh
Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Bangladesh is the official national chapter of GEN Global, a platform that operates in 200 countries to make it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business. Since its inception, GEN Bangladesh has been committed to fostering a robust and inclusive startup ecosystem throughout the country.
About Youth Upskill Network (YUNet)
The Youth Upskill Network (YUNet) is a Bangladesh-based global platform that officially launched in 2024 with a clear mission: to empower the next generation. YUNet is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and employment by providing young people with essential skill development, leadership opportunities, and access to a global network.