A delegation from Suriname attended the Global Entrepreneurship Conference+ in San Juan, Puerto Rico last week. This conference, organized by the Global Entrepreneurship Network and the Puerto Rico Convention District Authority, took place from July 14 to 18, 2024.
The Global Entrepreneurship Network runs programs in 200 countries to facilitate the creation and growth of businesses. GEC+ Puerto Rico brought together entrepreneurs and their supporters under the theme Vision 2035: An Entrepreneurial Future for Latin America and the Caribbean (V35).
V35 outlined an ambitious roadmap for a more vibrant and prosperous economy by 2035, with specific programs and policies to position the Caribbean region for exponential growth. Topics discussed included the potential of Artificial Intelligence, the benefits of servant and sustainable leadership, and various new models and matrices that make entrepreneurship more effective. The delegation enjoyed sessions from keynote speakers, strategic planning sessions, practical trainings, and numerous networking opportunities with founders, investors, ecosystem builders, educators, and policymakers.
The conference focused on three main themes:
- V35: The Vision, Roadmap, and Cutting-Edge Technologies Driving the Sectors of Our Future.
- Leaving No One Behind: Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Grow and Thrive When Everyone Gets Involved.
- Getting Started: Programs and Policies to Support Entrepreneurs ‘Today’.
The conference provided additional support and networking opportunities for the Caribbean and Suriname, enabling current and future collaborations and strong ecosystems to be developed. The Surinamese delegation consisted of a strong and dynamic team:
- Moreno Jackson (GEN Country Managing Director)
- Priscilla Abhilakh Missier (Act Now Foundation)
- Jo-Ann Monsels (Children’s University Suriname)
- Nuravni S. Sallons (Aurae Opus Foundation)
- Leanda Zeldenrust (Leduc Business Academy N.V.)
The delegation was very impressed with the well-organized event and returned to Suriname reenergized to continue their meaningful work. They will ensure to share the valuable information received with other entrepreneurs in Suriname, fostering a ripple effect of knowledge and inspiration throughout the entrepreneurial community.
One particularly memorable experience for the delegation was a hands-on workshop on coalition building to grow emerging ecosystems. During this session, they had the opportunity to collaborate with entrepreneurs from various countries, exchanging ideas and strategies for implementing eco-friendly initiatives in their businesses. This interactive workshop not only provided practical insights but also strengthened the bonds between the Surinamese delegation and their international counterparts, paving the way for future collaborations.