Ivanka Trump, daughter and adviser to US President Donald Trump, said India has a true friend in the White House. Addressing the audience at the inaugural session of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, she said India is one of the fastest growing economies and has embraced entrepreneurship in its truest sense.
"Here in India, I want to applaud Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his firm belief that the progress of humanity is incomplete without the empowerment of women," Ivanka said.
Emphasising on the summit theme 'Women First, Prosperity for All', Ivanka noted that when women work, it creates a unique multiplier effect. "Women are more likely than men to hire other women, and to give them access to capital, mentorship and networks. Women are also more likely to reinvest their income back in their families & communities."
Here are the significant excerpts from her inaugural speech:
"We must ensure women entrepreneurs have access to capital, access to networks and mentors, and access to equitable laws. Fueling the growth of women-led businesses isn’t simply good for our society—it’s good for our economy. One study estimates that closing the gender entrepreneurship gap world-wide could grow our global GDP by as much as two per cent.
In the last decade, women have made remarkable strides in starting new businesses... Today, more than 11 million women in the United States own businesses. They employ nearly 9 million workers, and generate over $1 trillion in revenue.
Entrepreneurs are revolutionizing our economies, and improving our societies
Only when women are empowered to thrive; will our families, our economies, and our societies reach their fullest potential.
This year’s summit is focused on a theme that is key to our future: Women First, Prosperity for All. I am proud that for the first time ever, women make up the majority of the 1,500 entrepreneurs selected to attend.
Some may have tried to convince you that the risk is too great—and the reward too small. But you are here today because you are not afraid to fail. You want to own your future... I want to congratulate you on all you have already accomplished.
Today, we come together to celebrate what is happening here in #India, what is happening in the United States—and all over the world: Entrepreneurs are revolutionising our economies, and improving our societies. You are rewriting the rules.
This is the first time India has hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. It is a symbol of the strengthened friendship between our two peoples, and the growing economic and security partnership between our two nations.
Through your own enterprise, entrepreneurship, and hard work, the people of India have lifted more than 130 million citizens out of poverty—a remarkable improvement, and one I know will continue to grow under the leadership of Prime Minister NarendraModi."
