Global Engagement on Entrepreneurship
President Obama turned a fresh page in America's engagement with Muslims around the world with his "On a New Beginning" speech in Cairo, Egypt on June 4, 20091. Highlights of the President's message include:
- So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.
- I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles -- principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
- . . . I want to discuss economic development and opportunity . . . we now seek a broader engagement . . . On economic development, . . . I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship . . . to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.
USAID is committed to meeting the objectives set forth in this speech based on input from all sources. On October 16, 2009, USAID convened a four-hour "listening session" with over twenty key stakeholders to gain input for our strategy, to build a network of advisors, and share information. This initial public session has been accompanied by an outpouring of ideas and advice from these and other stakeholders. On November 3, Secretary Clinton announced that the Summit will occur next spring and invited nominations for attendance. In addition to the Summit, USAID may consider other initiatives that address the key issues and challenges facing entrepreneurs; however, at this time we are only seeking collaboration as we develop our strategy.
USAID welcomes additional strategy development input and ideas at a dedicated mailbox GlobalEngagement@usaid.gov. We look forward to continuing to receive guidance from the public to help us realize the President's powerful message of Global Engagement on Entrepreneurship.
1The full text of the President's speech is at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-Cairo-University-6-04-09.
President Obama announced that the U.S. will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations, and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world. The Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship, which will be held in Washington, DC over two days in the first quarter of 2010, follows through on President Obama’s commitment. It represents an opportunity to highlight and support business and social entrepreneurship in Muslim-majority countries (MMC), including their minority populations, and Muslim communities around the world.
Through this Summit, the United States seeks both to join existing efforts and inspire new efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Muslim-majority countries and Muslim communities around the world. Delegates will include 150 participants from around the world who will represent their home countries, regions, sectors, and communities at the Summit. Delegates may self nominate or be nominated by others.
Successful entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and leaders of entrepreneurship networks, non-profits, foundations, and businesses who are invested in promoting business or social entrepreneurship in Muslim communities would be excellent delegates and are encouraged to apply.
There will be no preference given to self-nominations or outside nominations. However, letters of support are strongly encouraged to supplement a self-nomination.
The nomination deadline is November 30, 2009.
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.
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