Global Chairman’s Remarks 2026
World Business Angel Investors Week 2026 will be a great platform from which to campaign for solutions to such critical issues and other worldwide concerns at the United Nations, the European Union and in G20 countries.
As Chair of the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), it is my great honour to welcome you to World Business Angel Investors Week 2026, a global celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration.
In an increasingly interconnected world, entrepreneurship has evolved into one of the most powerful forces for economic growth, job creation, and social progress. Yet, for entrepreneurship to truly reach its full potential, It must be available to everyone.—regardless of gender, geography, income level, or social background.
This year’s theme—“Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in Entrepreneurship: Building Stronger Business Ecosystems to Increase Financial Inclusion”—reflects our shared belief that inclusive ecosystems are not only more inclusive, but also more innovative, adaptive, and sustainable.
As we have witnessed in past years, World Business Angel Investors Week serves as a unique global platform that connects entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, educators, and thought leaders across borders and industries. The collaborative spirit that shaped last year’s programme demonstrated how partnerships can advance innovation and sustainable development worldwide.
Today, we take that commitment even further by placing diversity and inclusion at the very centre of our efforts.
Diversity is not simply a social aspiration—it is an economic necessity. When we empower women entrepreneurs, support youth-led innovation, and enable underserved communities to participate in the startup economy, we unlock new sources of creativity and growth. Diverse perspectives lead to better solutions, stronger businesses, and more competitive economies.
However, millions of entrepreneurs around the world still face significant barriers to accessing capital, mentorship, and professional networks. These barriers limit opportunity, slow innovation, and widen economic inequality. Removing these barriers is essential if we are to build stronger and more inclusive business ecosystems.
Financial inclusion remains the cornerstone of this mission. Access to finance—particularly early-stage equity capital—enables entrepreneurs to transform ideas into scalable ventures. But capital alone is not enough. Entrepreneurs also require education, mentorship, market access, and supportive policy environments.
Strong business ecosystems bring these essential elements together. They create pathways for entrepreneurs to grow, for investors to discover promising ventures, and for communities to benefit from sustainable economic development.
In line with this commitment, WBAF continues to enhance entrepreneurial ecosystems through the World Chamber of Entrepreneurs for Economic Development (WenCHAM)—a brand-new global initiative of WBAF designed to connect entrepreneurs, investors, institutions, and policymakers under a unified framework. Through WenCHAM, we are building bridges between local innovation and global markets, enabling partnerships that support resilient ecosystems and expand access to finance for underserved entrepreneurs.
Throughout this Week, through conferences, workshops, and roundtable discussions, we will explore how governments, financial institutions, angel investors, and development organizations can collaborate to expand access to finance and empower inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems.
No country can build inclusive entrepreneurship alone. In today’s digital age, innovation transcends borders. A startup in one nation can serve customers across continents, and investors can support entrepreneurs thousands of kilometres away. This interconnected reality calls for greater collaboration, shared knowledge, and coordinated action.
World Business Angel Investors Week provides a global platform where nations, institutions, and entrepreneurs come together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build partnerships that foster inclusive growth. Entrepreneurship is not only about economic growth—it is about empowerment. Inclusive entrepreneurship creates jobs, supports innovation, and empowers communities. It enables individuals to turn ambition into opportunity and transforms local ideas into global solutions.
Throughout this Week, I invite each of you to reflect on how you can contribute to fostering diversity and inclusion within your own entrepreneurial ecosystems. Whether through policy reform, investment strategies, education programmes, or mentorship initiatives, every action counts.
I extend my sincere gratitude to our Country Chairs and Co-Chairs, our global partners, organizing committees, speakers, and participants. Your dedication and leadership make this global movement possible.
As we begin World Business Angel Investors Week 2026, let us reaffirm our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and financial inclusion. Let us work together to build stronger business ecosystems that empower entrepreneurs everywhere.
Together, we are building not only businesses—but inclusive economies, thriving societies, and a more prosperous future for all.
Thank you,
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Baybars Altuntas
Global Chair, World Business Angel Investors Week
Executive Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum
An affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)