Online Event
How to Create Sustainable Economic Growth through Capacity Building
Unlocking Sustainable Growth in Emerging Markets
Date
Dec 18, 2025
Time
01:00 pm - 02:30 pm
Address
Online Event
In emerging markets, capacity building is essential for overcoming development challenges. Yet, despite heavy investments in training, many institutions struggle to convert knowledge into impactful action. This session will explore how to shift from one-off training to continuous, system-wide capacity building that supports long-term economic growth.
Through real-world examples and innovative partnerships, we’ll examine how governments, businesses, and universities are overcoming barriers like limited access to global markets and inadequate capital. The session will focus on creating the systems, networks, and support structures needed for local talent to thrive and compete globally.
What you Will Learn:
- Understand the limitations of traditional capacity-building models and how to create sustainable systems for economic development.
- Learn how to design capacity-building initiatives that drive measurable outcomes in emerging economies.
- Discover strategies for overcoming barriers such as limited market access and lack of mentorship.
- Explore successful partnerships between governments, businesses, and universities to foster local talent and global competitiveness.
Featured Experts:
- Sameer Sortur - Founding Partner @ SquareCircle Ventures: An experienced entrepreneur and venture development leader with a focus on scaling businesses in emerging markets. As the founding partner of SquareCircle Ventures and CEO of SquareCircle Global, he helps startups, scaleups, and corporations drive growth through strategic partnerships, market entry, and digital transformation. Sameer also mentors at Techstars and the Founder Institute, supporting innovative startups across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. With over two decades of experience in corporate strategy, venture building, and investment, Sameer is a trusted advisor to companies looking to expand globally.
- Faris Alami - CEO @ International Strategic Management: A global leader in entrepreneurship and economic development. As the CEO of International Strategic Management (ISM) and founder of Connecting Dots Globally, he has empowered entrepreneurs in over 100 countries through innovative programs that bridge business, education, and policy. Faris is also the host of the Finjan Show and a sought-after keynote speaker on entrepreneurship. His journey from fleeing war and homelessness to leading global initiatives reflects his mission to support others in overcoming challenges and achieving success.
- Paul O'Brien - Head of Public Affairs @ Founder Institute: A startup economist and ecosystem strategist with 25 years in venture capital, public policy, and economic development. As Head of Public Affairs at the Founder Institute and Managing Partner of Startup Economist, he helps governments, investors, and civic leaders build stronger startup ecosystems that drive real economic growth.
About Founder Institute:
Founder Institute helps governments build capacity for economic development by providing the infrastructure necessary to activate their talent, empower the creation of new companies through structured mentorship, and ignite their funding ecosystem. Learn more at https://fi.co/government
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The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 8,100 entrepreneurs raise over 1.9BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.
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