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Ongoing Events

01

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

Online Training | Self-Paced

Enhance your knowledge in the fields of water, sanitation, and hygiene through our detailed training course below, and earn certificates upon successful completion.

Languages: Arabic, English, French 

Enroll Now
02

Renewable Energy Technologies in the Arab Region

Online Training | Self-Paced

The online training programme focuses on renewable energy technologies tailored to the Arab region and aims to inspire individuals to seize emerging opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Languages: Arabic, English, French 

Enroll Now
03

Agricultural technologies in the Arab region

Online Training | Self-Paced

The online training programme addresses sustainable agricultural technologies in the Arab region and aims to inspire individuals to explore entrepreneurial opportunities within the agricultural sector.

Languages: Arabic, English, French 

Enroll Now
04

Digital Agricultural Technologies in the Arab Region

Online Training | Self-Paced

The online training programme explores the transformative potential of digital technologies in agriculture across the Arab region

Languages: Arabic, English, French. 

Enroll Now
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E-Commerce Acceleration Programme

Programme | Open Call

The E-Commerce Acceleration Programme (eCAP) supports Arab SMEs in their transition to online selling by strengthening eCommerce capabilities and enabling access to technical expertise, coaching, and regional networks.

 

Apply Now
Past Events

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Somalia: Gradual Pathways to Formalization

Webinar | Online

Date: 21 July 2026

This session explored how informality functions as the dominant mode of doing business in Somalia, where most SMEs operate outside formal systems. It highlighted practical entry points for formalization, focusing on simplifying procedures, reducing costs, and building trust between businesses and public institutions. The discussion emphasized realistic, incremental approaches that support gradual transition over time.

Theme: Pathways to Gradual Formalization in Somalia’s Business Landscape

Watch the recording

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Lebanon: Private Sector Advocacy to Address Formalization Barriers in Lebanon

Webinar | Online

Date: 7 July 2026 

This session presented the private sector perspective on formalization barriers in Lebanon, highlighting real business experiences and key policy gaps affecting SMEs, with emphasis on priority reforms.

Theme: Advancing SME Formalization through Private Sector Advocacy and Policy Reform

Watch the recording

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Palestine: Formalization in Conflict and Recovery Contexts

Webinar | Online

Date: 30 June 2026

This session examined SME formalization in a conflict-affected context, focusing on how institutions support business continuity and gradual transition to formality during recovery through practical and adaptive mechanisms

Watch the recording

 

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Syria: The Role of Public Institutions in Supporting SME Formalization

Webinar | Online
Date: 23 June 2026

This session focused on the role of the Ministry of Economy and Industry in shaping the environment for SME formalization in Syria. It highlights current priorities, institutional efforts, and policy directions aimed at supporting small businesses and improving regulatory frameworks. The discussion explores how public institutions are addressing key challenges faced by SMEs, and draws out practical insights and lessons relevant to similar contexts across the region.

Watch the recording

 

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Egypt: The Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and the Startup Charter

Webinar | Online
Date: 16 June 2026

This session explored the recent reforms in Egypt, including the Startup Charter, and their role in simplifying procedures, improving the business environment, and strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Arab region.

Watch the recording

 

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Tunisia: Incentivising Formalization through the Startup Act

Webinar | Online
Date: 2 June 2026

This session highlighted Tunisia’s Startup Act and simplified business registration, showcasing recent reforms and how incentive-based frameworks encourage SMEs, startups, and youth-led businesses to formalise. It focuses on transferable lessons and policy implications.

Watch the recording

 

 

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Lebanon: E-Commerce Acceleration Training

Training | In person
Date: 23 & 25 May 2026

This training was designed to help entrepreneurs and businesses strengthen their e-commerce skills, expand their digital presence, and unlock new growth opportunities.

Theme: Enhancing e-commerce capabilities for entrepreneurs and SMEs to expand digital presence and unlock growth opportunities.

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Yemen: Formalization in Fragile Contexts

Webinar | Online
Date: 9 June 2026

This session explored SME realities in a fragile context, drawing on ongoing initiatives. It highlights adaptive approaches that support businesses despite systemic constraints and identifies applicable lessons.

Watch the recording

 

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Strategic Pathways for Iraqi SME Internationalization

Webinar | Online

Date: 17 March 2026

This session explored strategic pathways for Iraqi SMEs to internationalize within a transitioning and diversifying economy, with a focus on export diversification, strengthening participation in global value chains, and accessing new international markets.

Watch the recording

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Strategic Pathways for Syrian SME Internationalization in a Fragile and Recovery Economy

Webinar | Online

Date: 10 March 2026 

This is the fifth session of the webinar series Internationalization for SMEs to Reach New Markets. It focused on strategic pathways for Syrian SMEs to internationalize in fragile and recovery contexts, highlighting approaches to build resilience, generate employment opportunities, and expand access to regional and global markets.

Watch the recording

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Simplifying Access to Global Markets with ICC One-Click

Webinar | Online

Date: 3 March 2026

This is the fourth session of the webinar series: Internationalization for SMEs to reach new markets. Participants were introduced to digital tools that simplify market entry, with a focus on streamlining documentation, compliance, and cross-border trade processes through the ICC One-Click platform.

Watch the recording

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Building Export-Readiness

Webinar | Online
Date: 24 February 2026

This session focused on what it takes for SMEs to become export-ready. It guides participants through key readiness areas, including skills, operations, compliance, and market preparation, while addressing common barriers to exporting.

Theme: Preparing SMEs for export through practical readiness frameworks.

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Unlocking Export Opportunities with the Global Trade Helpdesk (GTH)

Webinar | Online
Date: 17 February 2026

This session focused on analysing market demand, understanding regulatory requirements, and assessing competitors, including within complex and high-risk market environments.

Theme: Leveraging the Global Trade Helpdesk to identify and access export opportunities.

Watch the recording

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Core Concepts and Policies of SME Internationalization

Webinar | Online

Date: 10 February 2026

This session focused on exploring practical pathways for SMEs and startups to expand into regional and global markets despite limited resources.

Theme: Scaling beyond borders: Practical pathways for SME and startup internationalization.

Watch the recording

micromentor

ESCWA–DEPAR x MicroMentor partnership kick-off

Webinar | Online

Date: 16 November 2025

This online session marked the launch of the partnership between ESCWA–DEPAR and MicroMentor. It introduced participants to the MicroMentor mentoring model through a platform demonstration and entrepreneur testimonials, highlighting opportunities for mentors and mentees and the partnership’s focus on strengthening entrepreneurial support across the Arab region.

Watch the recording

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AI in Sales Optimization

Webinar | Online

Date: 16 November 2025

Part of the AI Tools for Small Businesses webinar series  

Theme: Boosting Performance through Predictive and Intelligent Sales Tools

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Creating Content with AI

Webinar | Online

Date: 23 November 2025

Part of the AI Tools for Small Businesses webinar series  

Theme: Streamlining Digital and Social Media Content with Generative AI

Watch the recording 

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AI for Smarter Digital Marketing

Webinar | Online

Date: 1 December 2025

Part of the AI Tools for Small Businesses webinar series  

Theme: Using AI to Personalize and Optimize Campaigns

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The Right Mindset for Using AI Tools for Small Business Growth

Webinar | Online

Date: 8 December 2025

Part of the AI Tools for Small Businesses webinar series  

Theme: Adopting the Right Mindset to Leverage AI for Sustainable Business Growth

Watch the recording

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AI in Customer Service

Webinar | Online

Date: 15 December 2025

Part of the AI Tools for Small Businesses webinar series  

Theme: Enhancing Customer Engagement and Responsiveness through AI

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AI in Intellectual Property

Webinar | Online

Date: 19 January 2026

Part of the AI Tools for Small Businesses webinar series  

Theme: Using AI to Create and Protect Your Ideas

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Data Analytics with AI: Turning Data into Better Decisions

Webinar | Online

Date: 26 January 2026

Part of the AI Tools for Small Businesses webinar series  

Theme: Smarter Decisions with AI

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Fundraising Fundamentals

Webinar | Online

Date: 11 August 2025

Part of the Startup Readiness: Ideation, Funding & Scalability webinar series
 

Theme: Raising capital at the pre-seed and seed stages, including pitching, investor engagement, and equity fundamentals.

Watch the recording

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Startup Ideation & Validation

Webinar | Online

Date:  18 August 2025

Part of the Startup Readiness: Ideation, Funding & Scalability webinar series
 

Theme: Transforming ideas into viable startups using validation tools, MVPs, and customer discovery.

Watch the recording

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Emerging Startup Trends & High-Potential Sectors in MENA

Webinar | Online

Date: 25 August 2025

Part of the Startup Readiness: Ideation, Funding & Scalability webinar series

Theme: Exploring high-growth sectors and emerging startup trends across the MENA region.

Watch the recording

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Building a Scalable, Tech-Enabled Startup from Day One

Webinar | Online

Date: 1 September 2025

Part of the Startup Readiness: Ideation, Funding & Scalability webinar series

Theme: Designing scalable, technology-enabled startups with sustainable product–market fit.

Watch the recording

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The Golden Rule for Self-Actualization – Know Yourself Before You Start Your Marketing

Webinar | Online
Date: 18 June 2025

Part of the Arab Creative Market – Narratives That Matter: Creativity with Purpose and Impact webinar series

Theme: Using self-awareness as the foundation for authentic marketing and storytelling.

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Purpose-Driven Positioning – Turning Self-Awareness into Strategic Market Presence

Webinar | Online
Date: 25 June 2025

Part of the Arab Creative Market – Narratives That Matter: Creativity with Purpose and Impact webinar series


Theme: Translating self-awareness and purpose into authentic, strategic market positioning.

Watch the recording

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Enhancing Resilience in Creative Work – Mental Health, Well-being, and Sustainable Creativity

Webinar | Online
Date: 2 July 2025

Part of the Arab Creative Market – Narratives That Matter: Creativity with Purpose and Impact webinar series


Theme: Aligning values with audience expectations to build intentional branding and visibility.

Watch the recording

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Creative Marketing and Innovative Storytelling in the Digital Era – Marketing with Meaning in the Age of Distraction

Webinar | Online
Date: 9 July 2025

Part of the Arab Creative Market – Narratives That Matter: Creativity with Purpose and Impact webinar series


Theme: Strengthening emotional resilience and well-being through storytelling and creative practice.

Watch the recording

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Human-Centered Design in Marketing (Part 1) - Designing Marketing Strategies Based on Empathy and Real Customer Needs

Webinar | Online
Date: 16 July 2025

Part of the Arab Creative Market – Narratives That Matter: Creativity with Purpose and Impact webinar series 


Theme: Applying human-centered design principles to develop marketing strategies grounded in empathy and real customer insights.

Watch the recording

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Human-Centered Design (Part 2) – Applying Empathy-Based Design to Enhance Brand Relevance and Customer Trust

Webinar | Online
Date: 23 July 2025

Part of the Arab Creative Market – Narratives That Matter: Creativity with Purpose and Impact webinar series


Theme: Applying human-centred design to uncover real audience needs and build purposeful marketing strategies.

Watch the recording