Women Entrepreneurs Drive Innovation at Central Asia’s Sub-Regional EXPO

The Sub-Regional Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO 2024 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, gathered over 200 participants to support women entrepreneurs in Central Asia. Organized by UN Women Kyrgyzstan with backing from partners like Kyrgyzpatent, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and Accelerate Prosperity, the event focused on fostering innovation and highlighting the contributions of women-led businesses.

Key speakers, including Deputy Chairperson Dastan Bekeshev and UN Women Deputy Regional Director Elisa Fernandez Saenz, emphasized gender equality as a driver of economic progress. The event featured TEDxWomen Talks, where nine Kyrgyz entrepreneurs shared insights and success stories, reflecting the resilience and creativity of women in business. Additionally, 10 entrepreneurs in fields like agriculture, healthcare, and technology pitched their ventures to an expert panel, gaining exposure and networking opportunities.

The EXPO recognized standout entrepreneurs through an awards ceremony and emphasized the need for ongoing support for women in business. UN Women Kyrgyzstan’s representative Ulziisuren Jamsran highlighted the transformative role of women entrepreneurs in shaping sustainable economic growth in Kyrgyzstan.

The event also hosted the fourth Dialogue of Women of Central Asia under the theme “Women Innovators as Accelerators of Socio-Economic Development in Central Asia,” co-organized by UN Women Kyrgyzstan, the Kyrgyz Parliament, and other partners. This dialogue focused on advancing women’s economic empowerment through targeted policies.

The EXPO set the stage for the regional Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO 2024 in November, the largest networking event for women-owned businesses in Europe and Central Asia, uniting entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders.

For more information, visit the UN Women’s Regional Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO 2024.