Dr. Hashim S. Hussein of UNIDO ITPO Bahrain discusses its renewed support for Woman of the Year 2026 and the role of women in future economic growth.
What made ITPO Bahrain want to continue its partnership with the Woman of the Year Awards 2026?
Our decision to renew this partnership is driven by a profound strategic evolution within ITPO Bahrain. As we navigate 2026, our mandate has expanded beyond traditional industrial support to championing the Quad Economy – a holistic model that integrates the Green, Blue, Orange and Silver sectors. We recognised that the Woman of the Year Awards serves as a unique platform for leaders to showcase their achievements in these sectors.
We chose to continue this journey for three reasons. First is the rise of the Silver Economy. We are witnessing a surge in female led innovation focusing on healthy ageing, longevity and specialised healthcare services. Women are natural architects of this sector, and this partnership allows us to identify and scale these longevity startups that are becoming vital to Bahrain’s social fabric.
Second is synergy with the Bahrain Model. The Awards provide a high visibility platform to apply our Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Programme. By continuing our involvement, we can transition winners directly from the podium into our technical assistance programmes, ensuring their creative or sustainable ideas become bankable, internationalised businesses.
Third is cross sectoral innovation. We have observed that female entrepreneurs are uniquely adept at pivoting between pillars – for example, using the Orange Economy, or creativity, to solve problems in the Green or Blue sectors. We want ITPO Bahrain to remain the bridge connecting innovative women to the global investment and technology transfer networks they need to thrive.
How does this partnership reflect ITPO Bahrain’s wider mission in the region?
ITPO Bahrain’s mission is to drive investment and technology transfer through the Bahrain Model. This collaboration puts that mission into action. By recognising the achievements of women leaders, we are supporting a more diverse and forward thinking investment environment, and helping to position Bahrain as a leading centre for sustainable and inclusive development across various sectors.
What does supporting Woman of the Year say about the importance of recognising women’s achievements today?
It underscores that women are the primary architects of the new economy. Whether it is a startup focusing on healthy ageing or a digital media venture, recognising these achievements signals to the global market that Bahrain’s economic resilience is built on gender diverse leadership. It moves the conversation from participation to ownership.
What are your expectations from this year’s partnership and from the event itself?
I expect to see a surge in Quad focused entries. Specifically, I am looking for innovators in the Blue Economy who are protecting our maritime heritage and entrepreneurs in the Silver Economy developing services for our ageing population. My goal for this event is to transition these winners directly into our specialised incubation programmes at the International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
In challenging times, why is it important to continue investing in initiatives that celebrate leadership and progress?
In a volatile global market, the Quad Economy provides a safety net of diversification. Investing in leadership during these times ensures that our human capital remains sharp. Celebrating progress in the Green and Silver sectors reminds us that social needs, such as environmental protection and elderly care, are not just costs but powerful engines for economic renewal.
How do platforms like Woman of the Year encourage more women to step into leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation?
These platforms provide the social proof needed to venture into emerging fields. When a woman sees a peer successfully navigating the Orange Economy or launching a biotech firm for healthy ageing, it demystifies those sectors. It proves that ITPO Bahrain’s resources are accessible and that there is a validated path from a creative idea to a successful, impactful enterprise.
From ITPO’s perspective, what role do partnerships like this play in creating long term social and economic impact?
No organisation can achieve systemic change in isolation. Partnerships bridge the gap between policy and practice. By collaborating with the private sector and media through these awards, UNIDO ensures that our developmental goals reach a wider audience. This creates a multiplier effect: socially, by changing perceptions of women’s roles, and economically, by stimulating new business startups and job creation.
What message would you like to share with the nominees, winners and aspiring women leaders across Bahrain?
To all the remarkable women, nominees, winners and visionary leaders, who stand at the forefront of Bahrain’s progress: your courage to innovate, to lead and to dream boldly has become the heartbeat of our transformation. You are not just shaping the future; you are owning it. In every challenge you overcome, you make a path for others to follow, proving that ambition and compassion can go hand in hand.
Know that your achievements are not only celebrated, but they are also vital catalysts for change. You are architects of opportunity, role models for the next generation and champions of a truly inclusive economy. As Head of ITPO Bahrain, I urge you to never underestimate the power of your voice, your creativity and your persistence. You have our unwavering support.
Let your stories inspire others to step forward. Together, we are building a legacy where every woman’s talent finds its place at the table, and where collective ambition knows no bounds. The future of Bahrain is brighter because of you – keep rising, keep leading and keep changing the world.
What are ITPO Bahrain’s plans or goals for the rest of 2026?
Our primary goal is the institutionalisation of the Quad Economy framework. This includes launching dedicated support for startups focused on healthy ageing, geriatric technology and silver tourism, as well as facilitating technology transfer for sustainable aquaculture and renewable energy.
We will also focus on scaling Orange Economy ventures to international markets through our global ITPO network, and continuing to export our successful entrepreneurship model to more countries globally, strengthening Bahrain’s position as a global hub for investment promotion.
How important is the role of the Orange Economy and creativity in revitalising the Kingdom’s economy after the recent difficulties?
The Orange Economy, the intersection of culture, creativity and technology, is a cornerstone of our revitalisation strategy. Creativity is an inexhaustible resource. In Bahrain, our rich cultural heritage, combined with a tech savvy youth population, provides a competitive edge. By investing in the creative industries, we are diversifying our economy away from traditional sectors and moving towards high value, knowledge based exports that are inherently more resilient to global shocks.
