The activities of the ninth edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) take place under the theme: « The future is now. » The inaugural session of this Tuesday, June 4, 2019 focused on the way technology can develop the world through the action of entrepreneurs.

Indeed, this session was marked by three interventions by three impressive women, namely: Elaine Chao, US Secretary of Transportation; Sigrid Kaag, Mayor of The Hague; and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands.

The Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade, Sigrid Kaag, focused on connectivity and resilience as prerequisites for meeting the challenges. Referring to the example of The Hague, she said that this municipality has made great progress in promoting the development of a smart city and inclusion.

Along the same lines, Elaine Chao encouraged the adoption of the entrepreneurial spirit in order to build a better world. This includes innovation in a process of solving the problems of society.

The #GES2019 in The Hague has officially started, looking forward to this conference with innovative ideas from entrepreneurs from all over the world. I'm proud to say that for global challenges, there’s always a Dutch solution! https://t.co/0vbybpX3lG pic.twitter.com/qcQdXWuRYp

— Sigrid Kaag (@SigridKaag) June 4, 2019

The most awaited moment was that of the intervention of Queen Màxima of the Netherlands. She mentioned some key factors in business success to encourage entrepreneurs to be more efficient and useful to their companies.

These include access to financing, technology, a customer-centric model, capitalizing on strategic partnerships, and a business-friendly environment.

Moreover, she has encouraged women’s entrepreneurship to give the best of her results wherever women are excellent despite the meager means they have to invest. A bravery that should, according to her, inspire others around the world.

Did you miss the #GES2019 opening ceremony? Here it is in 60 seconds or less!
(featuring @SigridKaag, @SecElaineChao, and Queen Máxima @koninklijkhuis @UNSGSA @ComitevoorO) pic.twitter.com/XuDOY15ABe

— The Global Entrepreneurship Summit (@theGESsummit) June 4, 2019

« Entrepreneurial culture is the backbone of economic development », said Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

Several panels of discussions followed. From financing the future to energy, including agriculture, city connectivity, health, the industry of the future, and women’s entrepreneurship, the debates and exchanges were enriching for the participants.

Eric TSHIKUMA