The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has unveiled the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) AWE4Ukraine Summit. Held in Ljubljana, Slovenia from June 10-13, this groundbreaking summit aims to harness the power of entrepreneurship to rebuild Ukraine’s economic landscape.
The summit, organized by the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana, brings together 73 Ukrainian AWE alumni, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. These entrepreneurs, who hail from various regions of Ukraine, have undergone the AWE program, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the business world.
Despite facing challenges posed by Russia’s invasion, these Ukrainian women have persevered, completing their AWE program in various European countries, including Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Portugal, and Slovenia. Now, gathered in Ljubljana, they are poised to leverage their expertise and networks to drive sustainable economic growth in Ukraine.
The summit agenda is packed with workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, all aimed at fostering cross-border collaboration and building a strong peer-to-peer community among Ukrainian AWE alumni. Keynote speaker Kate Isler, CEO of the e-commerce platform TheWMarketplace, will share her insights and experiences, inspiring participants with her journey in the business world.
The AWE program, a flagship initiative promoting entrepreneurship and trade, is in alignment with the U.S. Strategy on Global Women’s Economic Security. This strategy envisions a world where women and girls have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from economic growth and prosperity.
The support extended by the government and people of Slovenia to Ukraine during Russia’s aggression has been commendable. The United States applauds Slovenia for its hospitality towards refugees and its unwavering assistance to Ukraine during these challenging times.
As the AWE4Ukraine Summit unfolds in Ljubljana, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and resilience in driving positive change. With women entrepreneurs at the forefront, Ukraine’s journey towards economic recovery is set to gain momentum, paving the way for a brighter future for all.