End of Year Message from ICSB President & CEO – Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy
Dear Esteemed Members and Supporters of ICSB,
As we approach the close of an eventful year, I am delighted to share with you the profound journey that the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) has undertaken throughout 2023. This year has been exceptional, marking one of our organization’s most dynamic and impactful periods over the past five years.
ICSB Congress: A Triple Triumph
For the very first time, we orchestrated the ICSB Congress across three diverse cities in South Korea – Seoul, Jinju City, and Gwangju. This pioneering approach showcased our adaptability and exemplified our commitment to innovation and our dedication to meeting the ever-evolving expectations of our esteemed members. It was a resounding success, demonstrating our ability to unite our global community in novel and engaging ways. A special thanks goes to our Chair, Dr. KiChan Kim, for leading the ICSB World Congress in S. Korea.
UN MSMEs Day: A Global Phenomenon
The UN MSMEs Day, an initiative birthed by ICSB in collaboration with Argentina, has transcended borders to become a global phenomenon. Witnessing the widespread recognition and adoption of this critical day is incredibly heartening. Organizations like the OECD now hold events on June 27th, aligning with our vision of celebrating and supporting Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide.
Pushing Boundaries and Shaping Discourse
ICSB has consistently led by pushing the boundaries of convention and championing ideas that may have been met with skepticism initially. This year, our MSMEs Day theme of “Empowering Women and Youth in MSMEs” gained profound relevance and resonance following Claudia Goldin’s Nobel Prize recognition for her groundbreaking research on gender income disparities. We continue to set the agenda and redefine the narrative.
Azerbaijan: A Visionary Choice
ICSB’s selection of Azerbaijan as the host for our SME World Forum was a decision that may have raised eyebrows initially but has proved visionary. The subsequent selection of Azerbaijan to host Cop 29 reflects the nation’s spirit of innovation and forward-thinking. ICSB thanks our partner, KOBIA, for delivering an exceptional event.
Research Excellence and Impact
Under the guidance of Drs. Eric Liguori, Katia Passerini, Jeff Alves, and me, our research endeavors have reached new heights. Our flagship journals (JSBM and JICSB) have enjoyed a banner year. ICSB’s latest journal, JICSB, was included in the Web of Science Emerging Sources Citation Index, marking a significant milestone.
Impactful Research for Communities
Our commitment to impactful research extends to community engagement. Our study on the origins of Korean Entrepreneurship is making a tangible difference in Jinju City. We are also embarking on unique research ventures, such as exploring the intersection of entrepreneurship and religion.
Lemonade Day: A New Signature Initiative
The ICSB International Office Team has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, Lemonade Day, as part of the ICSB Youth Initiative. This promising endeavor has the potential to become one of ICSB’s most crucial signature products in the next two years.
Engaged Past Chairs and Board Members
Our immediate past chairs, Dr. Winslow and Mr. Ahmed Osman, have been tireless advocates for ICSB. Additionally, our esteemed board members, including Analia Pastran, Norris Krugger, Zakara Taib, and Rita Grant, have been at the forefront of essential initiatives.
A Year of Exciting Prospects
Looking ahead to 2024:
* 68th World Congress: Returning to Europe in Berlin, Germany, under the theme "Empowering Entrepreneurship for a Better Future."
* Africa Initiative: In March, we will reveal a sustainable plan for ICSB’s engagement in Africa to drive economic growth.
* AI Transformation: ICSB is on the cusp of launching a primary new website that leverages AI to revamp our membership model and knowledge hub.
As we approach the new year, let us carry the spirit of innovation, resilience, and collaboration that has defined 2023 into our future endeavors. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering dedication.