Call for participants and presentations: 10th UNESCO-APEID Meeting on Entrepreneurship Education

The 9th UNESCO-APEID Meeting on Entrepreneurship Education, held in Hangzhou, China, on 26-28 October 2023, marked the resumption of the annual meeting of the UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education Network (EE-Net). The gathering, hosted by Zhejiang University, inspired old and new participants to view UNESCO EE-Net as a vehicle to promote entrepreneurship education in their respective countries. 

After a three-year absence because of COVID-19 interruptions, one of the objectives of the meeting was to reinvigorate the network. This was achieved when many participants expressed interest in applying to become the UNESCO EE-Net National Chapters. 

Additionally, some attendees realized that hosting the UNESCO-APEID Meeting in their country would be an effective strategy to focus national stakeholders’ attention on the importance of entrepreneurship education. During the closing ceremony of the 9th meeting, Alfraganus University expressed interest in hosting the 10th meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The timing was perfect because the President of Uzbekistan, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, declared 2024 the Year to Support Youth and Entrepreneurship.

The recent global pandemic and the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) are two major factors reshaping education systems and the labour market. Entrepreneurship education equips young people with the tools and mindset to secure a successful future and navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century. Below are some reasons why entrepreneurship education can be crucial for youth’s future:

1. Empowerment for Success: Entrepreneurship education empowers young people to take control of their futures by providing them with the skills, mindset, and opportunities needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
2. Adaptability and Resilience: Entrepreneurship education teaches adaptability and resilience, essential qualities for navigating the uncertainties of the 21st century and bouncing back from setbacks.
3. Critical Thinking and Innovation: Entrepreneurship education fosters critical thinking and innovation, enabling young people to identify opportunities, solve problems creatively, and stay ahead in competitive environments.
4. Leadership and Collaboration: Entrepreneurship education develops leadership and collaboration skills, preparing young people to lead and work effectively with others in diverse and dynamic settings.
5. Social Impact and Responsibility: Entrepreneurship education instils a sense of social impact and responsibility, encouraging young people to address pressing societal challenges while pursuing their entrepreneurial goals.