In their latest CSR initiative, PepsiCo and Al Ahli Holding Group have partnered to launch a youth social entrepreneurship conference in Dubai, which was announced today. Business4Change will be a two-day conference taking place on March 20 and 21 for young entrepreneurs aged 16-30 across the Middle East & North Africa region.
Under the theme ‘Feel, Think, Do’, youths will be given an opportunity to learn about social enterprise, debate and drive forward their business ideas, and receive support to develop a business.
“The Middle East is facing a number of issues concerning the environment, health and wellness and talent sustainability, so there is a real need for social enterprise,” said Huw Gilbert, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, PepsiCo Asia, Middle East and Africa.
“Whether these young entrepreneurs in the region want to help save water, reduce poverty by creating opportunities for the unemployed or help educate others, PepsiCo believes sharing expertise can empower them and help unlock their potential in creating a social enterprise,” Gilbert added.
Over the two days, attendees will take part in entrepreneur-led workshops where they will learn how to develop an idea, build skills, and advance a concept by delving into practices such as finance, marketing, and legal.
“Social entrepreneurship is needed for both economic and social development because it creates new job opportunities and sources of income, while at the same time, social entrepreneurship encourages innovation and provides the market with unconventional products and services that can contribute to solving some of the biggest societal problems such as illiteracy, health and poverty,” said Lina Hourani, Director of Al Ahli Holding Group’s CSR division.
While there is an age requirement, the conference is open to everyone regardless of any prior knowledge of social enterprise. Applications are accepted beginning today.