Samantha Constant Attends Arab World Social Innovation Forum in Cairo

Samantha Constant, associate director of the Middle East Youth Initiative, participated in a panel on "Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship" during the Arab World Social Innovation Forum, organized by Ashoka Arab World in Cairo.

The Forum was held from May 14 to 15 with the aim of convening influential leaders from the private sector, civil society, and international institutions "to set a new paradigm for sustainable social change in the Arab World." The Forum built from Ashoka's extensive experience as an organization pioneering the support of social entrepreneurship globally.

While at the Forum, Samantha shared the latest research from the Middle East Youth Initiative on social entrepreneurship, just released in a new report in April: "Social Entrepreneurship in the Middle East: Toward Sustainable Development for the Next Generation." Ahmed Younis, director of strategic partnerships & communications for Silatech and senior analyst at the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, moderated the "Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship" panel, which addressed topics such as the definition of entrepreneurship, the long-term goals of youth entrepreneurship programs, and how much youth entrepreneurship programs should prioritize and reward innovation and risk.

Other participants at the Forum included Deema Bibi, CEO of INJAZ Jordan; Nader Kabbani, director of research at the Syria Trust for Development; George Khalaf, director of the Middle East and North Africa Region for Synergos; Rami Khouri, director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs; Dalia Mogahed, executive director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies; and a number of Ashoka fellows from across the region.

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