Just got back from an incredibly stimulating few days in Kazan for the 8th OIC Youth Entrepreneurship Forum. The energy there was fantastic, a real hub of innovation and collaboration. I was honored to be part of the opening panel discussion on “Building Resilient Businesses in the OIC,” alongside some truly inspiring individuals. Huge thanks to the organizers – the Ministry of Youth Affairs of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Eurasian Regional Center of ICYF (ICYF-ERC), and the Tatarstan Republic Youth Social Fund “Selet” – for putting together such a valuable event.
Sharing the stage with Hasan Basri Kurt, President of KOSGEB, was a privilege. His insights into supporting SMEs were spot on. Rahim Bayramli, joining us virtually from SABAH lab, offered a compelling perspective on the digital landscape, which is so crucial for today’s entrepreneurs. Anar Yusufzada, from the PPP Development Center, provided valuable context on the role of public-private partnerships in fostering business growth. And of course, I was able to share my passion for the power of storytelling in building a resilient brand – something I believe is absolutely essential for entrepreneurs in any field.
Arzish Azam, CEO of EjadLabs, did a masterful job of moderating the discussion, keeping us on track and ensuring we explored the multifaceted nature of resilience in the OIC context. What resonated most with me was the shared commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs. There’s a real sense of community within the OIC, a desire to see each other succeed.
But the real highlight for me was the peer-to-peer deck reviews that followed the panel. This is where the rubber meets the road. Seeing these young entrepreneurs bravely present their ideas and receive constructive feedback from the experts was incredibly rewarding. The questions were sharp, the advice was practical, and the energy was infectious. It’s clear that these young people are the driving force behind the OIC’s future, and I’m excited to see the impact they’ll have. Kazan, you were amazing! Looking forward to connecting again soon.
