14th Congress on Women’s Entrepreneurship of the Adriatic and Ionian area - Gorizia, 7 November

 

The 14th Congress on Women’s Entrepreneurship of the Adriatic and Ionian, organised by the Forum of the Adriatic Ionian Chambers of Commerce and the Venezia Giulia Chamber of Commerce, took place in Gorizia on November 7th and brought together a distinguished group of women entrepreneurs, policymakers, and experts to discuss the critical role of women in shaping the economic landscape.

 

This year’s Congress took place as part of the “GO! 2025” events, which celebrated Gorizia and Nova Gorica as the European Capitals of Culture. The Congress focused on the tourism and cultural sectors, offering a regional perspective on the main challenges and successful strategies for promoting women’s economic empowerment and supporting entrepreneurship throughout the Adriatic and Ionian Region.

The Congress hosted multiple panels addressing critical topics such as leveraging cultural assets for sustainable tourism, fostering women’s leadership in hospitality, and advancing female-driven initiatives in the creative and cultural industries. Participants shared best practices and inspiring success stories, providing valuable insights into how women entrepreneurs are shaping the economic and cultural fabric of the region.

The event also served as a platform for networking and collaboration, reinforcing the role of international partnerships and regional networks in supporting women’s entrepreneurship. By spotlighting the contributions of women leaders, the Congress reaffirmed its commitment to building a more equitable and prosperous Adriatic-Ionian region.

Filippo Alabardi, Executive Officer of the AII Permanent Secretariat, highlighted that women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship have been key themes in the Initiative’s activities over recent years. He emphasised the organization’s role in promoting women’s participation across various sectors, such as business, STEM, and rural entrepreneurship, through conferences and roundtables involving government, entrepreneurs, and civil society. Alabardi also noted the addition of a fifth pillar to the EUSAIR Strategy, dedicated to women’s empowerment, showcasing the region’s commitment to gender equality. He stressed that the tourism sector in the Adriatic-Ionian region is deeply enriched by women’s contributions and that continuing to promote their roles is vital for shaping the region’s future. 

Please find here the complete report of the event: https://www.forumaic.org/report-14th-congress-on-womens-entrepreneurship-of-the-adriatic-and-ionian-area-7th-november-2024-gorizia/?lang=en#