“Ladies and Gentleman, first of all I would really like to say how happy I am to see you all here. Your commitment as private sector, government, knowledge institutions, and NGO representatives from across the globe, specifically the Middle East and Africa, is a sign of hope in a world affected by conflict.

Never before have so many people fled their country because of violence and repression. Across the world, as you probably already know, 65 million people have been forcibly displaced. The majority of them are being taken in by neighbouring countries. Most refugees have had to leave all their possessions behind. But many fled with invisible assets of great value. They have taken their ambitions, their skills, and talents with them. They’ve taken their experience as entrepreneurs and professionals, and they’ve taken their drive to rebuild their own lives and the futures of their families. Many refugees have no choice but to spend considerable time away from home; 10 or even 20 years is really no exception. Therefore it is vital that we tap into this reservoir of human capital and enable these people to use their capacities to benefit not only themselves, but also their host regions.

For almost 25 years, SPARK has been supporting people in fragile states and societies affected by conflict. One of its key strategies is facilitating startup businesses by inspiring a culture of entrepreneurship, as well as through training and credit. As UN Secretary General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, I have seen how vital this is. SME’s (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) are the drivers of growth, innovation and job creation, not only here in Europe but also in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Of course, doing business in crisis-stricken regions requires a specific approach. It is necessary therefore, to link up all available expertise, research and lessons learned in the public, as well as, the private sector.

Since the majority of refugees are young people, we must also turn our attention to education and scholarships. We must provide young people with positive alternatives and challenge them to use their capacities to the full. This conference focuses on the empowerment of the youth and entrepreneurs in vulnerable economies. Let us share as much knowledge as possible on how to spur inclusive and sustainable economic growth. And let us work more closely together in order to make sure that the vast reservoir of human skills and talents in conflict-affected regions is put to good use, to the advantage of all of us.”