I would like to greet all the participants and express our pleasure in hosting the 2nd Global Entrepreneurship Summit and welcome you to our country and Istanbul.

We are delighted that Istanbul, which throughout its long and rich history has shaped and built civilizations, is today hosting successful entrepreneurs from all over the world.

We live in a world in which small efforts create major effects which are felt on a global scale. With the contributions of the members of mankind with entrepreneurial spirit, our world has gone through an enormous and rapid change in all areas, which is still ongoing. Entrepreneurial spirit and entrepreneurial emotion now open the door of excitement and hope for people throughout the world.

While covering a great distance in technology and economy and rapidly transforming our world, the entrepreneurial spirit of mankind, unfortunately, has not produced solutions to some of the deep-rooted problems and emerging threats. Mankind has not been able to find solutions to today’s important problems and lasting challenges such as income inequality, poverty, racism, terrorism, environmental degradation and regional conflicts and hostilities.

Naturally, we cannot deny the critical role of entrepreneurs in shaping and developing our world and promoting convergence, cooperation and dialogue between cultures. I believe that the promotion of entrepreneurship, especially among the young generation and with ever increasing dynamism, will contribute greatly to sustainable development and positive interaction between cultures.

On the occasion of the 2nd Summit in Istanbul, I would like to underline the Alliance of Civilizations Initiative which was launched by Turkey and implemented with Spain under the umbrella of the UN.  We support the economic and technological entrepreneurial spirit with a social, cultural and peace oriented initiative and exert great effort for cultures to co-exist in mutual respect and tolerance.

I believe that Istanbul will inspire all the entrepreneurs of the world with its history, architecture,  unique perception of culture and lively lifestyle.  I also hope that this Summit under the theme “Entrepreneurship, Values and Development: A Global Agenda” will be positively affected by Istanbul’s tolerant character that is respectful of all cultures.

I would also like to express my gratitute to my esteemed friend, Mr. Barack Obama, President of the United States, and his colleagues for launching these Summits through his personal initiative and hosting the first Entrepreneurship Summit in Washington.
I wish every success to the Summit and express my sincere regards.

Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN
Prime Minister of The Republic of Turkey