Venue

Baku, Azerbaijan: Venue TBA

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is a captivating blend of rich history and modernity. Nestled on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Baku is a vibrant metropolis that serves as a bridge between East and West, offering a unique cultural experience.

 

Steeped in antiquity, Baku boasts a mesmerizing Old City, also known as Icherisheher, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Within its ancient walls, visitors can wander through narrow alleys, admire medieval architecture, and explore iconic landmarks like the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, bearing witness to centuries of Azerbaijani heritage.

 

Beyond its historical charm, Baku embraces modernity with gleaming skyscrapers, futuristic architecture, and a burgeoning arts and entertainment scene. The city’s iconic Flame Towers, illuminated in the evenings, add to its captivating skyline.

 

The Caspian Sea coastline offers breathtaking views, where locals and tourists gather to enjoy leisurely strolls, vibrant sunsets, and a refreshing sea breeze. The seaside promenade, known as the Bulvar, offers a delightful place for relaxation and recreation.

 

Baku’s cultural diversity is evident in its cuisine, blending traditional Azerbaijani flavors with influences from the Middle East and Central Asia. Visitors can savor delicious dishes like pilaf, kebabs, and various flavorful stews.

 

A bustling hub for commerce, culture, and diplomacy, Baku hosts international events, conferences, and festivals, attracting visitors from around the world. Its strategic location and booming economy make it a crucial center for trade and investment in the region.

SME World Forum Focuses

The SME World Forum will target five key segments: Private Sector Companies, Startups, Policy Sector, Academic Sector, Education Sector, and Tourism & Hospitality. With a special dedicates sessions on youth and women entrepreneurship:
 

Why Attend form Private Sector?

  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers.
  • Cutting-edge Insights: Gain access to the latest trends, strategies, and opportunities shaping the SME landscape.
  • Influence and Collaboration: Play an active role in shaping policies and best practices that impact the SME ecosystem globally.

Why Attend form Policy Sector?

  • Influence Policy Direction: Engage in critical dialogues with SME leaders, industry experts, and academics, contributing to the formulation of policies that foster small and medium enterprise growth, innovation, and sustainability.
  • Collaborate Across Sectors: Build partnerships with the private sector, educators, and legislators, promoting integrated approaches that align public policy with industry needs and societal goals, enhancing the effectiveness of regulations and interventions.
  • Access Global Perspectives: Gain insights from international thought leaders and policymakers, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of global trends and challenges. This knowledge will inform more effective local and national policy decisions that can drive positive change in the SME landscape.

Why Attend form Academic Sector?

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage with professionals across various fields, including business, policy, and technology, fostering a rich environment for innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration that can lead to new academic insights and breakthroughs.

  • Real-World Impact: Connect with practitioners in the SME sector to understand real-world challenges and opportunities, guiding research focus toward practical applications that can have tangible impacts on small and medium-sized enterprises.

  • Global Perspectives on SMEs: Participate in discussions and workshops led by international experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of global trends, regional variations, and cultural influences on SMEs, enriching your research and teaching methods with diverse and inclusive perspectives

Why Attend as Tourism & Hospitality Expert:
  • Industry Insights and Trends: Discover the latest trends, technologies, and innovative practices shaping the tourism and hospitality industry. Gain insights into consumer behavior and preferences, sustainability initiatives, and the role of SMEs in driving economic recovery and growth.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policy makers, and academics specializing in tourism and hospitality. Engage in meaningful conversations that can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and new business opportunities.
  • Skill Development and Knowledge Sharing: Attend workshops, seminars, and panel discussions led by experts in the field. Enhance your professional skills, learn about best practices, and contribute your own experiences and insights to shape the future of tourism and hospitality in a world increasingly influenced by SMEs.
Why Attend as Women & Youth:
  • Empowerment and Inclusion: Explore initiatives and strategies aimed at empowering women and youth in the business world. Understand how SMEs are providing platforms for gender equality and youth involvement, and learn how you can contribute to these efforts.

  • Entrepreneurial Development: Gain insights into entrepreneurial opportunities specifically tailored for women and young entrepreneurs. Learn from successful women and youth-led SMEs, and get inspired to launch or grow your own venture.

  • Networking with Like-minded Individuals: Connect with women and youth who are leading the way in various industries. Build a network that can offer support, mentorship, and collaboration, all vital for personal and professional growth.

  • Education and Skill Enhancement: Participate in workshops and training sessions designed to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to women and youth in business. Benefit from personalized learning paths that align with your career goals.

  • Voice and Impact: Have your voice heard on issues that directly impact women and youth in the business environment. Engage with policy-makers, industry leaders, and academics to contribute your perspective and potentially influence the policies and practices that shape the future for women and youth in SMEs.