ICSB’s 70th World Congress: A Remarkable Milestone, A Lifetime of Memories
The 70th World Congress of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) will be remembered as far more than a conference. Hosted in Cairo, Egypt, the Congress marked a historic milestone for ICSB, celebrating seven decades of global leadership in entrepreneurship, MSMEs, and human-centered economic development, while creating memories that will last a lifetime for all who attended.
Bringing together delegates from more than 45 countries, the Congress embodied the true spirit of ICSB: global in reach, local in relevance, and deeply human at its core. Scholars, policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem builders gathered not only to exchange ideas but to reconnect with purpose, reaffirming why entrepreneurship matters in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.
A Congress with Meaning and Momentum
From the very beginning, the 70th World Congress was significant. Cairo, a city that bridges ancient civilization and modern ambition, provided a powerful backdrop for conversations about resilience, dignity, innovation, and inclusive growth. Sessions explored cutting-edge research, policy innovation, AI and technology adoption, MSME resilience, women’s entrepreneurship, and human-centered entrepreneurship, always grounded in real-world impact.
The Congress also celebrated excellence and legacy. The induction of the ICSB Fellows Class of 2025, the presentation of global awards, and recognition of outstanding scholarship and entrepreneurship centers highlighted the individuals and institutions shaping the future of entrepreneurship worldwide. These moments were not just ceremonial—they were deeply personal, emotional, and affirming.
1- ICSB Fellows Induction (Click Here).
2- ICSB Best Congress Research Paper Awards (Click Here).
3-ICSB 2025 Educator of the Year Award: Cairo, Egypt: Dr. Nabil Shalaby (Click Here)
4- ICSB 2025 Entrepreneurship Center Global Impact Award:
Country: Cairo, Egypt: Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Center (AASTEC) (Click Here)
5-ICSB 2025 Global Graduate Entrepreneurship Education Excellence Award:
Country: Melbourne, Australia: RMIT’s Master of Fashion (Entrepreneurship) program (Click Here)
6- ICSB 2025 Global Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Education Excellence Award:
Country: Bari, Italy: ORSÙ Innovation Lab at the University (Click Here)
Human Connections at the Heart of ICSB
What made the 70th World Congress truly exceptional was not only its intellectual rigor but also its human warmth. Conversations spilled beyond conference rooms into shared meals, cultural experiences, and spontaneous moments of laughter and reflection. Long-standing friendships were renewed, new collaborations were born, and generations of scholars and practitioners connected across borders and disciplines.
A Milestone That Looks Forward
As ICSB marks its 70th Anniversary, this World Congress stands as both a celebration of legacy and a launchpad for the future. It reaffirmed ICSB’s commitment to entrepreneurship for peace, dignity, and opportunity, and set the tone for the years ahead—years defined by human-centered innovation, inclusive growth, and global collaboration.
Formal Recognition and Thank You!
ICSB extends its heartfelt thanks to the Chair of the 70th World Congress, Mr. Ahmed Osman, and his remarkable team for the care, passion, and countless hours they invested in bringing this Congress to life. We are equally grateful to the volunteers, partners, and sponsors whose generosity and behind-the-scenes efforts made every moment possible. Together, you created not just a successful Congress, but an experience filled with meaning, connection, and memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.
This is the ICSB spirit—70 years strong, and just getting started.
Below are the Videos Capturing the Amazing ICSB 70th World Congress