"The establishment of WBAF Economic Development Commissions (EDCs) in countries around the world represents an important step toward strengthening international cooperation and generating practical policy recommendations that can contribute to economic development, financial inclusion, innovation, entrepreneurship, and social prosperity. These commissions are designed to serve as convergence platforms where leaders from different sectors and industries can work together around shared strategic goals and common economic interests.
Through the WBAF Economic Development Board, we aim to bring together distinguished global voices to develop forward-looking policy perspectives for presentation to G20 leadership while supporting stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems and greater cross-border collaboration."
Baybars Altuntas
Executive Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF)
An affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)
As an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) is committed to contributing to sustainable economic growth by encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and policy development among entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, academics, business leaders, and active citizens worldwide.
The establishment of WBAF Economic Development Commissions (EDCs) in countries around the world represents an important step toward strengthening international cooperation and generating practical policy recommendations that can contribute to economic development, financial inclusion, innovation, entrepreneurship, and social prosperity. These commissions are designed to serve as convergence platforms where leaders from different sectors and industries can work together around shared strategic goals and common economic interests.
Through the WBAF Economic Development Board, we aim to bring together distinguished global voices to develop forward-looking policy perspectives for presentation to G20 leadership while supporting stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems and greater cross-border collaboration.
I warmly invite visionary leaders and institutions from around the world to establish WBAF Economic Development Commissions in their countries and become part of this distinguished global movement contributing to inclusive economic growth and international cooperation.
With best regards,
Christina McGimpsey
Secretary General, World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF)
An affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)
The WBAF Economic Development Commission (EDC) is a national-level platform established within the global ecosystem of the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF). It brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, academics, business leaders, thought leaders, and active citizens to support economic development, innovation, financial inclusion, and international collaboration.
The main objective of the commission is to contribute to sustainable economic growth by encouraging policy dialogue, international cooperation, entrepreneurship development, innovation, and cross-border collaboration while supporting the development of policy recommendations for presentation to G20 leadership.
Entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, institutions, chambers of commerce, NGOs, policymakers, academics, universities, innovation centres, and ecosystem builders may apply to establish a WBAF Economic Development Commission in their country.
The WBAF Economic Development Board is an international leadership platform composed of representatives and board members connected to national Economic Development Commissions established within the WBAF ecosystem.
Establishing an EDC provides access to international collaboration opportunities, global networking, policy dialogue platforms, cross-border partnerships, visibility within the WBAF ecosystem, and the opportunity to contribute to global economic development discussions.
Yes. Approved commissions become part of WBAF’s international ecosystem spanning 148 countries and may participate in global WBAF activities, forums, policy discussions, and international cooperation initiatives.
The commission welcomes participation from multiple sectors including finance, technology, manufacturing, trade, education, healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, creative industries, mobility, tourism, social entrepreneurship, and other strategic sectors.
Yes. Government representatives, policymakers, regulators, and public institutions are encouraged to collaborate within the commission alongside private sector and civil society stakeholders.
An EDC may organise policy roundtables, economic forums, workshops, international cooperation meetings, entrepreneurship events, investment discussions, mentorship programmes, research activities, and ecosystem development initiatives.
The commission contributes by developing policy recommendations, encouraging inclusive economic participation, supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, and promoting financial inclusion aligned with the broader objectives of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI).
Yes. Universities, research institutions, professors, researchers, and innovation centres are welcome to participate and contribute to policy development, research, and ecosystem-building activities.
No. The commission supports broader economic development objectives and welcomes engagement from startups, SMEs, corporates, investors, public institutions, academia, and civil society organisations.
Yes. One of the key objectives of the programme is to encourage international cooperation and cross-border collaboration among commissions, institutions, and ecosystem stakeholders from different countries.
Participation structures may vary depending on programme models, activities, and operational frameworks. Detailed information is shared during the onboarding and evaluation process.
Interested organisations and leaders may submit an application through the official WBAF application process by providing institutional information, leadership details, strategic objectives, and proposed areas of activity for the commission.