The ‘2023 International Council of Small and Medium Businesses World Congress (ICSB World Congress)’, which aims to promote the global growth and development of small and medium-sized businesses and prepare ways for cooperation, held an opening ceremony at the Kimdaejung Convention Center in Gwangju on the 13th (Thursday).
This is the first time in 2009 years that the ‘International Small Business Council World Conference’ has been held in Korea since Seoul in 14. The International Council for Small and Medium Business (ICSB) is the world’s first international organization for small and medium-sized businesses aimed at developing small and medium-sized businesses, and was established in the United States in 1955.
Currently, more than 85 people from 2,000 countries, including university professors, researchers, businessmen, and government officials, are participating as members, and are engaged in activities such as analyzing corporate ecosystems around the world, publishing white papers on entrepreneurship, and giving academic presentations on small and medium-sized businesses. This world conference is hosted by Gwangju City and the International Small Business Council and organized by the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center, the Small and Medium Venture Business Policy Association, and the LINC3.0 Project Group of local universities, with over 75 people from 1,000 countries including industry and academia small business experts, policy makers, businessmen, and students. Participate.
ICSB Chairman Winslow Sargeant, who attended the opening ceremony held on the morning of the 13th, said, “I have visited Korea several times since attending the Youth Entrepreneurship Conference held in Seoul in 2016. This time, he also visited Gwangju, and learned about Gwangju’s long history and the pivotal role Gwangju citizens played in establishing a strong tradition of democracy in Korea.”
In particular, Chairman Winslow Sargent, who revealed that this world conference emphasizes the connection between entrepreneurship, humanity, and peace, said, “The entrepreneurial ecosystem is a living, breathing organism that requires certain key elements to thrive. “One of those important axes is peace,” he said. “Peace is the foundation that allows entrepreneurs to provide creative and innovative solutions to the market. Without this peace, security is uncertain and progress is hindered. “Gwangju’s business ecosystem is thriving because peace and the rule of law exist,” he said.
“This city and region is made up of multiple stakeholders, including universities, government agencies, incubators, accelerators and venture capital. Gwangju is home to several world-class universities and is also home to startups and technology companies. “If they work together and continue to support entrepreneurs from ideation to growth, the entrepreneurial ecosystem can be used to promote social change and build bridges between different cultures,” he emphasized.
In addition, Chairman Winslow Sargent emphasized that successful entrepreneurs create businesses that help improve the lives of millions of people. “There is still more we can do. ICSB encourages entrepreneurs and small business owners to open their networks to women, youth and others who have not previously had the opportunity to participate in business activities.”
He added, “Korea is a country with a bright future. Many people equate a country’s natural resources, including its mineral resources, with its wealth. However, even though these resources are abundant, there are many countries that lag behind in manpower education. Korea has become one of the world’s top 10 economies by investing in human resources, a national resource, demonstrating that a lack of mineral resources does not limit economic growth. “I would like to applaud this achievement,” he said. “As such, Korea has a culture that values talented human resources, a supportive government, and innovation. “In addition, we are continuing our efforts for humanity and peace, and we note that Gwangju is also continuing its efforts for this.”
Lastly, Chairman Winslow Sargent said, “We believe it is our role to listen to the voices of small and medium-sized businesses and continue to identify potential solutions for humanity. “For a brighter future, let us work with an entrepreneurial spirit for humanity, humanity, and peace,” he urged.
Meanwhile, the ‘2023 International Small and Medium Business Council World Conference’ was held to promote the global growth and development of small and medium-sized businesses and prepare ways for cooperation. The International Council for Small and Medium Business (ICSB) is the world’s first international organization for small and medium-sized businesses aimed at developing small and medium-sized businesses, and was established in the United States in 1955. It has been 2009 years since the ‘International Small and Medium Business Council World Conference’ was held in Korea, following Seoul in 14. This world conference is hosted by Gwangju City and the International Small and Medium Business Council and organized by the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center, the Small and Medium Venture Business Policy Society, and the LINC3.0 Project Group of local universities. It is organized by This world conference, held under the theme of ‘Entrepreneurship for Humanity and Peace’, will feature various events such as △professional academic presentations △keynote speech by representative entrepreneur △proclamation of the Gwangju-Entrepreneurship Declaration △exhibitions and global export consultations to introduce and promote startup products and sales. It is operated as a program.