On behalf of the co-sponsors of the entrepreneurship for sustainable development resolution, I thank all of the delegations that voted in favor of this resolution. 

The 112 co-sponsors and supporters of this resolution include nations from all five regional groups, representing hundreds of millions of people from all over the world. It is clear from this widespread support that the entire international community is committed to empowering entrepreneurs, and convinced that their empowerment will guide us toward achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Chairman,

The great American inventor, Thomas Edison, once said, and I quote, “I have not failed. I’ve just found ten-thousand (10,000) ways that won’t work.”

In just a few words, Edison captures the essence of entrepreneurship. Combining curiosity, opportunity and fearless possibility, entrepreneurs around the world are changing the way we think and solve problems previously assumed impossible. 

Israel did not have the luxury of being afraid of failure. Our survival depended on our perseverance, allowing our entrepreneurial culture to become a safe environment for trial and error. With no fear of failure, Israel became a country of problem solvers ready to find the next great answer – or if it does not already exist, create it from thin air.

In Israel, we believe innovation is one of the most effective tools for sustainable development. That is why we share our discoveries all over the world. That is why we champion youth and female founders. And, that is why we advocate so strongly for international mechanisms to build a no-fear culture to empower entrepreneurs.

As Israel’s story shows, empowerment builds prosperity; inclusion fosters progress; and investing in the next generation guarantees sustainability.

Mr. Chairman,

Every country has its own entrepreneur heroes and heroines; maybe it’s someone who created an app used by thousands, or even millions; maybe it’s someone who founded an internationally recognized fashion house. But an entrepreneur is also someone who pushes his own food cart through streets, summer and winter, year after year, hoping that, someday, he can open a small restaurant that employs a few people.  It’s also the woman who gets up before the sun rises to plant more than her family will use, so that she can bring her small surplus to the market in the next town, and then – maybe – she can plant even more next year. Entrepreneur is even the little girl selling lemonade on a hot summer day down your street.

Entrepreneurship is critical for sustainable development. It pulls societies out of poverty, levels the gender playing field, and encourages youth to get involved in the future of their countries. It gives people hope and purpose. 

Mr. Chairman,

The importance of creating a supportive eco-system for entrepreneurship, especially in developing countries, this cannot be stressed enough. 

And yet, it is concerning that once again the Arab nations have called a vote on this resolution.  In doing so, they have not just cast a vote against a UN resolution; they have cast a vote against their own people.  

The need for more entrepreneurs in the Middle East is undeniable. There are various programs, which harness the endless potential in youth and other groups, fostering their ambitions and passions to bring them closer to their dreams and closer together. Yet, as we are all painfully aware, these governments, which called for the vote continuously, put politics before people and pride before progress.  

By calling for a vote, these Member States have clearly shown that instead of fostering their and their nation's future, they prefer to fuel hatred and division. 

Mr. Chairman,

The adoption of this resolution today is just the first step. Now we must ensure that every one has the opportunity to turn dreams into a reality and ideas into actions.  

Thank you.