The following is an official statement from the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
The Global Entrepreneurship Network stands with any and all members of our global community who face barriers to realizing their full potential – as entrepreneurs, as investors, as ecosystem builders and, simply, as human beings.
It takes years to build an entrepreneurship ecosystem, yet only seconds of war to lose one. Enabling entrepreneurs to create jobs, grow economies and improve people’s lives is one way to prevent war and suffering. When that fails, we pick ourselves up and get back to work to rally both temporary relief and long-term post conflict regeneration. Such a virtual cycle over time will contribute to less suffering and more prosperity and opportunity for all.
GEN is proud of its chapters and community members around the world who work tirelessly on behalf of those whose lives and livelihood are impacted by armed conflict happening currently in more than 40 countries across all six continents. We are also proud of our global programs that are helping rebuild communities inflicted by war or natural disaster.
Today, the eyes of the world are on the invasion of Ukraine and the senseless loss of life and destruction that accompany it. GEN's community of ecosystem leaders throughout Europe are rallying to support their colleagues, friends and all of the people of Ukraine.
The unrest in Ukraine and many of these countries is not likely to end soon. GEN, along with its chapters and global community that is active in 200 countries, will continue its work – today, tomorrow and in the years to come – in support of entrepreneurs and ecosystems everywhere.
If you wish to personally support entrepreneurs and others displaced by armed conflict, please consider a donation to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
If you wish to support the people of Ukraine directly, visit Support for Ukraine Now.