Taking Dell’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Global

Entrepreneurs are disproportionately the source of global economic growth, jobs and innovation. They are the engine that drives the world economy, creating ~70 percent of jobs globally and as much as 91 percent in some emerging markets (Endeavor).

Earlier this week, I had the honor of participating on a job creation and youth employment panel at the UN Global Accelerator, a gathering of top entrepreneurs and UN leaders seeking creative approaches to accelerate progress on global development goals, co-chaired by Michael Dell

 Audience at UN Foundation Global Accelerator 2014

During the panel, my peers and I discussed ways to solve problems of job creation and youth unemployment, and how entrepreneurs can lead the way to get the global economy moving forward again.

Throughout the event, I learned interesting ways entrepreneurs are solving critical problems around the globe – like the example of CA Bikes helping to reduce deaths of pregnant mothers and making it easier for those in need to get to the hospital for healthcare in Africa. The passion global entrepreneurs have at solving key problems such as healthcare, job creation and hunger is inspiring.

Michael Dell on screen at UN Foundation Global Accelerator 2014Also during the event, the Dell entrepreneurial spirit and commitment was furthered with Michael Dell being announced as the United Nations Foundation’s first Global Advocate for Entrepreneurship. I left the event excited about Dell taking a leadership role with the UN and global entrepreneurs to truly make a difference in the world. The UN headquarters was the perfect setting for this dialogue.

As Global Advocate for Entrepreneurship, Michael will work closely with the UN to elevate the issues of entrepreneurs to the public policy level. His efforts will focus on four key areas: access to capital, markets, talent and technology.

Technology is arguably the most important ingredient as it delivers the power to learn, be healthy, enter and participate in global markets, compete with larger corporations, and share and benefit from knowledge. We look forward to expanding Dell’s global entrepreneurial reach to solve important problems and aid our global economy in growth.

Images courtesy of UN Foundation.

About the Author: Mike R. Cote