"GEF 2024: A Global Convergence of Innovation, Leadership, entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Solutions” August 20, 2024

Global Entrepreneurship Festival Press Conference

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The Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF), the world's biggest gathering of entrepreneurs,

innovators, investors, creatives, policy makers and industry leaders, is set to take place at the Entrepreneurship Village in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, from November 22 to 24, 2024.

As the world grapples with significant challenges, including climate change, hunger, poverty,

and inequality, the need for enhanced international cooperation, innovative solutions, and

entrepreneurship is becoming more significant. The GEF aims to build on the outcomes of the79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA2024) and the Summit of Future, accelerating progress toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The

reaffirmed commitments from these global events will guide entrepreneurial discussions and

business creation at the GEF.

The festival's theme, "Beyond Boundaries: Poverty Eradication through Entrepreneurship,"

with a focus on SDG 1: No Poverty was unveiled by the GEF Board Members and key partners

at the exclusive Global Press Conference held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island,

Lagos, Nigeria, on August 20, 2024. The press conference which was streamed live across ten

countries worldwide, including the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada,

Ghana, India, Liberia, Dubai, and Benin sets the tone for the event leading up to the world's

largest entrepreneurship festival.

Mr. Dan Walkovitz, a member of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival Board and Chairman of

the Entrepreneurship Village, emphasised the festival's role in fostering a thriving

entrepreneurial ecosystem. The festival's core is the spirit of entrepreneurship and collaboration.

GEF will bring together the brightest minds in business, innovation, technology, and creativity

for an extraordinary convergence of ideas and inspiration.

Dr. Summy Smart Francis, Special Adviser to the Ondo State Government on Entrepreneurship

and Innovation and Project Lead for the Global Entrepreneurship Festival highlighted the

festival's comprehensive lineup. Over three impactful days, the festival will bring together over

5,000 participants during the conferences and 15,000 on Day 3 during the closing concert. It will

feature twelve concurrent events designed to engage, inspire, educate and enable thousands of

entrepreneurs, youth, local and global audiences. The events include conferences, networking

sessions, business pitches to investors and VCs, an award gala, an innovation and robotics expo,

a hackathon, art and creative exhibitions, a trade fair/exhibition, a global leadership forum, an

international women's congress, a fashion show, and a closing concert.

“The festival is designed to address Africa's challenges and shift mindsets, creating a hub for

deal-making, idea creation, design thinking, co-creation of solutions, and business pitches to

over a hundred investors, venture capitalists, and local and international financiers. "This event

is not just about addressing poverty; it's about transforming the way we think about

entrepreneurship," added Francis.

The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, represented by the State

Commissioner for Information, Hon. Wale Akinlosotu, expressed the government's

commitment to hosting this monumental event. "The theme 'Beyond Boundaries' resonates

deeply with our mission in Ondo State. Entrepreneurship is a powerful tool to combat poverty

globally. With our rich resources and business-friendly environment, our state is proud to host

this groundbreaking event," Akinlosotu stated.

A notable highlight of the press conference was the announcement of the 50th Anniversary of

the "Rumble in the Jungle" Boxing Bout, which will bring together global champions to promote

Sport for Development. This announcement was made by Mr. Don King, who was represented

by Anthony Jones Esq., Founding and Managing Partner of the Jones Firm in the United States.

Other GEF Board members, including GEF Chairman, Otunba ‘Wanle Akinboboye (Founder, La

Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Ms. Foluke Michael (CEO/Project Director of Solution17),

Hon. Shina Peller (CEO of Aquila Group of Companies), Anjani Mistry-Singh and Dr. Joy Smart

Francis (E-Village Executive Director, Initiatives and Partnerships), spoke on various festival

components. They reiterated the importance of collaboration and partnership in mobilising the

global community to tackle SDG 1: No Poverty while addressing the interconnected nature of

other global goals. The festival aims to ignite an international movement positioning youth

development and entrepreneurship across different business sectors as critical economic and

social transformation drivers.

At the Global Entrepreneurship Festival, we envision a world where entrepreneurship is

accessible, celebrated, and supported, equipping the next generation with the necessary tools,

networks, and platforms to thrive.

The Conference, attended by members of the diplomatic community, government

representatives, private sector leaders, influencers, ambassadors, youth groups, and media

personnel, concluded with a resounding message: the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) is

not merely an event but a global movement poised to redefine the future of entrepreneurship

and youth engagement. The doors are now open to welcome new partnerships and

collaborations.

By leveraging the outcomes of the United Nations General Assembly, particularly the Pact for

the Future, GEF is set to pave the way for enhanced global cooperation and sustainable

development. Registration Link https://globalentrepreneurshipfestival.com/?ref=Oliver

Doug Bruhnke ?? Global Chamber? Africa Rising TV Adejoke Lasisi Tania Bowers

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