GSLDC and Partners Launch OPC Global Innovation Network to Connect Young Entrepreneurs Worldwide
Hangzhou, China · September 24, 2026
The Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (GSLDC), together with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and global partners, today co-convened the International Youth OPC Co-Creation Dialogue, gathering young entrepreneurs, policymakers, international organizations, digital platforms and ecosystem partners from 27 countries and international organizations.
Participants came from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and other regions, including Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Kenya, Laos, Liberia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
Under the theme “One Entrepreneur, Global Opportunities,” the dialogue explored how AI, digital platforms, cloud services, cross-border e-commerce and digital payments are reshaping entrepreneurship and international trade. It focused on the OPC (One-Person Company) model, which enables individual entrepreneurs and small teams to turn ideas into viable businesses with limited startup capital.
A key outcome was the launch of the OPC Global Innovation Network Initiative. The network aims to connect young entrepreneurs, OPC communities, enterprises, digital platforms and entrepreneurship support organizations across regions, with particular attention to the Global South. It seeks to expand access to knowledge, digital resources, market information and early-stage support, especially for entrepreneurs with limited resources and smaller teams.
The initiative invites international organizations, governments, universities, businesses, technology platforms, investors, entrepreneurship communities, service providers and young entrepreneurs to collaborate in four areas: building practical digital and AI capabilities for OPCs; opening routes to markets, customers and commercial partners; creating real-world co-creation and pilot opportunities; and building a sustainable international OPC innovation network.
Participants joined four co-creation tracks: AI and OPC; OPC and digital trade; OPC and professional services; and OPC and international cooperation. The sessions focused on practical needs, access to AI tools, international markets, professional services and cross-border networks, and helped participants identify shared challenges, connect resources and explore future collaboration.
“Digital trade can empower young entrepreneurs to bring local green products, cultural goods and fair-trade products to global markets, create jobs and narrow regional gaps,” said Dr Tan Enghan, Director of GSLDC. “But if we want inclusive growth, international organizations and platforms must provide practical, affordable and accessible support, especially for young entrepreneurs in developing and least developed countries.”
James Howe, Head of Digital, Markets and Connectivity at ITC, delivered a keynote on “OPC and Inclusive Digital Trade in the AI Era.” He noted that AI can help entrepreneurs research markets, develop offers and communicate with customers, while digital platforms can support sourcing, prototyping and reaching buyers. “Some ideas will fail. But if they can be tested quickly and at lower cost, entrepreneurs can learn, adapt and try again,” he said, calling for a wider learning network linking entrepreneurs, technology providers, business organizations, investors and donors.
The dialogue also recognized outstanding digital innovation cases from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Earlier this year, GSLDC, ITC and partners launched the Young Entrepreneurs Digital Innovation Case Collection, gathering cases in artificial intelligence, green energy, smart transportation, fintech and ESG green innovation. Seven projects were selected for the 2026 World Youth Development Forum’s Action Plan for Global Youth Development, with representatives invited to the Forum.
For GSLDC, the dialogue reflected its continued commitment to strengthening youth leadership, innovation and international cooperation while creating opportunities for young people to engage with emerging technologies and evolving models of sustainable economic participation. The Center said it looks forward to working with international and local partners to expand opportunities for young people to develop the knowledge, networks and capabilities needed to participate meaningfully in an increasingly digital and interconnected global economy.
About GSLDC
The Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center (GSLDC) works to strengthen youth leadership, innovation and international cooperation in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.