Alexander De Croo presents MolenGeek to the rest of the world in New York
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander De Croo presents today in New York , at the United Nations, MolenGeek to the rest of the world. MolenGeek is a Molenbeek tech incubator that focuses on young people. They can enhance their digital skills, learn coding and strengthen their digital entrepreneurship. "It's a great example of how to prepare vulnerable youngsters to make up their way in the digital economy."
Alexander De Croo: "With MolenGeek we show the world another Molenbeek. A Molenbeek going forward, young, with perseverance and entrepreneurship. But above all, MolenGeek is a good example of how we provide young people with a positive future perspective in a world that is becoming faster and more digital. This is a success story that the world must know. "
MolenGeek was founded two years ago by five young entrepreneurs. The association is active in digital entrepreneurship and technology. Ouassari Ibrahim, one of the founders of MolenGeek, was born in Molenbeek. After leaving school at the age of 13, he discovered technology at the age of 20. Today, he stands at the head of four companies in the IT sector. Oussari wants to pass on the chances he got to other young people.
MolenGeek offers a wide range of activities in which young people come into contact with digital entrepreneurship, develop their own digital skills and strengthen their entrepreneurship. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander De Croo supports the organization with 500,000 euros from the Belgian Digital Agenda.
Based on the positive experiences with MolenGeek, the Digital Belgium Skills Fund was developed. The 18 million euro fund finances projects that aim to strengthen digital skills in vulnerable groups. A first financing round opened in May, with 41 projects selected by an independent jury, supported by the King Baudouin Foundation.
Tech4SDGs
The presentation of MolenGeek took place in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly. Together with co-organizer Uganda, Belgium wanted to emphasize the importance of technology and digital skills in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The exchange of best practices and insights into success factors must lead to a better understanding of the role of technology in development.
Alexander De Croo: "Belgium wants to be a pioneer in the field of deploying digital technologies and big data for development policy. A better commitment towards technology is the only way to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Think of digitalizing birth records, deploying big data to provide family planning services or implementing text information to increase farmers' productivity."
