• On 3 February, UNITAR welcomed 36 participants from Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon to Japan, marking the start of an in-person workshop under the 2025 programme  "RISE LAB: Igniting Youth Potential through Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Resilience.”
• Supported by the Government and People of Japan, the programme is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, executives of existing businesses and employees and owners of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon.
• Through this workshop, participants will refine and strengthen their business and project plans in the agriculture, food sectors, technology and other related fields. On the final day, each participant will present their ready-to-launch business proposal.

This UNITAR training programme, supported by the Government and People of Japan, is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, executives of existing businesses and employees and owners of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon.

The programme launched in July 2025 with more than 500 participants taking part in the first and second phases of the programme delivered online. Among them, 36 top-performing participants were selected to advance to the third phase – an in-person workshop in Japan.

During the Tokyo and Hiroshima sessions, participants will engage in practical learning activities focused on technology, artificial intelligence (AI), project management, financial management and fund raising, and entrepreneurship. The programme features expert-led lectures, group work, Japanese startups and company Study Tours and guided and tailored mentorship.

Through this workshop, participants will refine and strengthen their business and project plans in the agriculture, food sectors, technology and other related fields. On the final day, each participant will present their ready-to-launch business proposal.