Paris 2024 Olympics: A Statistical Retrospective

The Paris 2024 Olympics, a historic event in the world of sports, concluded with remarkable performances and unprecedented global participation. This edition of the Games left a significant mark, showcasing not only athletic excellence but also Paris's commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

Participation and Medals

Over 10,500 athletes from 206 countries competed in 32 sports across 329 events, making it one of the most diverse and inclusive Olympics in history. This was the first Olympic Games to achieve gender parity, with an equal number of male and female athletes competing. The United States topped the medal table with a total of 113 medals, including 44 golds, followed by China and the host nation, France, which achieved its best Olympic performance with 35 golds.

Sustainability and Innovation

Paris 2024 set a new standard for sustainability, with 95% of the venues being either existing or temporary structures, significantly reducing the carbon footprint. The Olympic Village, which housed over 15,000 athletes and officials, was designed with future urban development in mind and will now serve as affordable housing. The Games also implemented extensive public transport options to reduce reliance on private vehicles, further lowering environmental impact.

Economic and Social Impact

Winners of the Startup World Cup 2024: SIFE & SAGE Nominations

The Startup World Cup Championship is the world's premier annual event for young entrepreneurs, bringing together national elites from various countries to network, communicate, and identify the year's best startups.

At the Startup World Cup Championship, students present their startups in two categories: SIFE and SAGE.

SIFE - Startups in Innovative Free Entrepreneurship

These entrepreneurs start companies with visions that could change the world. Innovators create entirely new ideas and transform them into viable businesses. They often change how people think and act.

Winners of the SWCC 2024

SIFE Nomination MiniBoss League

1. Tudana, Red bus (Turkmenistan)
2. AZ-bathty (Azerbaijan)
3. Odyssey (Kazakhstan)

SAGE - Startups for the Advancement of the Global Environment

Social entrepreneurs create products and services that address social needs and problems. Unlike scalable startups, their goal is to make the world a better place. These startups can be nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid.

Winners of the SWCC 2024

SAGE Nomination MiniBoss League

1. Chaykhor (Azerbaijan)
2. Scam busters (Australia)
3. Ecoleaf (Azerbaijan) / Sketchio (Azerbaijan)

Winners of the SWCC 2024 (UN Gold Medals)

The Startup World Cup Championship evaluates students' development in entrepreneurship and the strength of their character as an academic result of the year.

Mission: Global unity and cooperation for the benefit of the world; building global communication bridges and fostering cooperation among young national elites.

United Nations Gold Medals

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.

• SDG 1. No poverty – Cashy (Azerbaijan)
• SDG 2. Zero hunger – Foxy (Turkey)
• SDG 3. Good health and well-being – Bath bags (Turkmenistan)
• SDG 4. Qualty Education – Imagine (Kazakhstan)
• SDG 5. Gender equality – Star track (Ukraine)
• SDG 6. Clean water and sanitation – Minimylius (Kazakhstan)
• SDG 7. Affordable and clean energy – Wooden decoration (Turkey)
• SDG 8. Decent work and economic growth – Dill buzz (Azerbaijan)
• SDG 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure – R_Crafters (UK)
• SDG 10. Reduced inequalities – Focus (Bulgaria)
• SDG 11. Sustainable cities and communities – African experience hotel (South Africa)
• SDG 12. Responsible consumption and production – Shipero (Turkey)
• SDG 13. Climate action – Meyvali (Azerbaijan)
• SDG 14. Life below water – Khari touch (Azerbaijan)
• SDG 15. Life on land – Fortune cookies (Turkmenistan)
• SDG 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions – February which changed my life (Ukraine)
• SDG 17. Partnerships for the goals – Action of kindness (Ukraine)

Startup "Focus" Changes the Lives of Teenagers

Students of MiniBoss Business School created a project "Focus" that changes the lives of teenagers.

Our guest is a true enthusiast of his work, who, together with his team, creates unique courses and programs that help young people overcome fears, develop and achieve their dreams. Let's learn more about this project, its purpose, challenges, and future plans.

- Hello Lev! How are you doing, how is your summer going?

- Hello! The summer is going well, relaxing, I am personally preparing for the World Championship and other events in my life.

- That sounds cool! Our main topic today is your project, because it is really interesting to see you in a new role, let's say, as the captain of a social project. Please tell us about your project. What inspired you to create it?

- Our project "Focus" is aimed at motivating teenagers through our original content. This motivation is directed not towards changes, no, but towards transforming their lives. The inspiration came from the summer of 2023, when I spent almost all the time at home, sometimes going out only for training. I realized that something needed to change, and then I thought, why not do it here, at MiniBoss. And that's how it happened!

- What are the main goals and mission of your project?

- The goal of our project is to motivate our target audience (i.e., teenagers studying in middle/high school and university) to change/transform their lives. Our mission is to carry, you could say, such a "Great Fire" of motivation and success to people. For example, this month we are holding our, hopefully not the first, course "Extroverts Marathon 21", the goal of which is to overcome social phobia in one's, well...let's say body, which has been present in people since childhood. I think you all have felt those moments when you are afraid to do something in terms of communication with people. This is the direction we are working in.

- Your project "Focus" sounds very interesting and really inspiring. Motivation and life transformation for teenagers is an interesting topic, especially in our time when youth faces many challenges and obstacles. I know many teenagers need support to unlock their potential and find their way in life, I went through it myself. I am very interested to hear more about how your project helps teenagers. Lev, you mentioned the "Extroverts Marathon 21". It sounds like a very interesting thing. Could you tell us more about this course? What specific methods and approaches do you use to help participants overcome social phobia?

About 90 countries to take part in the Swiss-hosted Ukraine peace summit. Russia won’t attend

Switzerland — Nearly 90 countries and organizations, half from Europe, have confirmed attending the Swiss-hosted Ukraine peace summit over the weekend, Switzerland’s president said Monday. However, Russia won’t be there.

Moscow has not been invited but says it would not have attended anyway as the conference is based on the peace proposals of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russia rejects.

President Viola Amherd told reporters in the Swiss capital, Bern, that the summit, on Saturday and Sunday, will aim to chart a path toward possible peace nearly 28 months after Russian forces invaded Ukraine and the war grinding on.

“This is not about propaganda,” said Amherd. “This is about the basis of humanitarian aid provided by Switzerland, based on fostering peace (and) to provide a platform to initiate a dialogue.”

The Swiss president said that most participants would be top country leaders, with about half represented at the head of state or government level, and “a handful” from organizations like the United Nations.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are expected to attend the summit at the Bürgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne in the village of Obbürgen.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will take part on behalf of the United States. President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, will join Harris as part of the U.S. delegation.

About 160 invitations have been sent out and Amherd said it was not a “disappointment” for the Swiss government that fewer than 100 have so far announced participation in the first phase of the peace process.

Swiss authorities said the final list of participants was expected by Friday, but key developing countries like Turkey, South Africa and Brazil haven’t indicated whether they would attend. India they said, will take part but it isn’t clear at which level.

Brazil and China said they wouldn’t take part unless both sides – including Russia – were at the table, according to Swiss officials. Beijing has been one of the top supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin since the war started, and has said the criteria for its participation will be “hard to meet.”

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis also addressed reporters, saying Switzerland has repeatedly acknowledged that there cannot be a peace process without Russia. “The question is not whether Russia will be on board, the question is when.”

He also said Switzerland is in frequent contact with authorities in Moscow about the conference.

Ukraine has helped coordinate the summit, and Zelenskyy is expected to attend. Cassis said Swiss officials had to balance considerations that Ukraine might not have attended if Russia was represented.

Zelenskyy has gone on a diplomatic push to try and lure attendees to the summit. He has also accused China and Russia of trying to undermine it. The Swiss-hosted conference follows on the heels of the G7 summit in neighbouring Italy.

Swiss officials say the conference aims to set a course toward “lasting peace” in Ukraine, to reach a “common understanding” toward getting there, and draw up the “roadmap” on how to get both sides involved in talks. Nuclear security, humanitarian aid and food security are also on the summit’s agenda.

As many as 4,000 military personnel will be deployed to provide security and support air transportation, surveillance and roll out security fencing and steel wire for the event, officials said, adding that an increase in cyberattacks in the run-up to the summit was noted, but didn’t provide details.

In a Swiss valley deep below a mountain ridge where the resort sits, Swiss troops set up a makeshift heliport in a grassy field ringed by barbed wire Monday in preparation for the summit as cowbells clanged nearby.

Germany hosts recovery conference for Ukraine

The two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference comes ahead of a peace summit in Switzerland

Germany is hosting a conference on Tuesday to gather support for Ukraine's recovery from the destruction wreaked by Russia's war.

The meeting aims to send a new signal of solidarity with Kyiv at the start of a week of intense diplomacy.

The two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin follows a similar gathering in London a year ago. It comes before the Group of Seven summit of Ukraine's leading Western allies in Italy and a global peace summit in Switzerland this coming weekend.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who last week attended events marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France, is expected at the gathering, which the German hosts say will bring together 2000 people from politics, business and other areas.

“Even during the current times of war, Ukraine needs to continually rebuild houses, water pipelines, hospitals and power grids,” German Development Minister Svenja Schulze said in a statement. “People want to keep on living in their country, and to do so they need electricity, water and a roof over their heads.”

The task of supporting Ukraine's recovery in the short and long term “is too big to be tackled by governments alone — which is why we are expressly inviting companies, civil society and municipalities to the conference,” Schulze added.

Among other immediate problems Ukraine faces, sustained Russian attacks on its power grid in recent weeks have forced leaders in Kyiv to institute nationwide rolling blackouts.

In London last year, Ukraine’s allies pledged several billion dollars in nonmilitary aid to rebuild the country’s infrastructure, fight corruption and help pave Kyiv's road to membership in the European Union.

That focus on reforms remains central this year.

“We are pulling out all the stops so that Ukraine can soon take a seat at the table of the European Union — because, in addition to our military support, that’s the best protection there is,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said.

From now MINIBOSS BUSINESS SCHOOL in Melbourne, Australia

Congratulations to Elena Chirich on acquiring another franchise of the MINIBOSS BUSINESS SCHOOL for the city of Melbourne, Australia! 

For three years of work in the city of Brisbane, Elena has already achieved significant success in business, and the students of the MiniBoss Bristene branch have already visited the Startup World Cup Championship in Glasgow, UK and won gold and silver WINNER MEDALS!

In a move aimed at nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, MiniBoss Business School, catering to children and teenagers aged 6 to 18, has opened its newest branch in Melbourne. This endeavour marks a significant step towards not only fostering a culture of entrepreneurship but also strengthening familial and business values within the country.

The establishment of MiniBoss Business School in Melbourne holds immense importance in shaping both the family and business cultures of the nation. By instilling foundational business knowledge and skills in the younger generation, the school aims to cultivate a mindset of innovation, resilience, and creativity from an early age. This, in turn, has far-reaching implications for the future trajectory of the economy and the quality of life for its citizens.

The impact of MiniBoss graduates on the economy is profound. As these young individuals transition into adulthood, armed with entrepreneurial acumen and a proactive mindset, they are poised to become drivers of economic growth and innovation. The entrepreneurial ventures they embark upon contribute to job creation, investment, and the overall expansion of the economy, thereby directly influencing GDP growth.

Moreover, the influence of MiniBoss extends beyond economic metrics. By nurturing young minds in the principles of responsible entrepreneurship and leadership, the school plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of responsibility and integrity within future business leaders. This, in turn, fosters a stronger sense of community and familial values, as individuals learn the importance of collaboration, ethical conduct, and social responsibility in their pursuits.

Elena Chirich, the entrepreneur who acquired the franchise for MiniBoss Business School in Melbourne, embodies the essence of female leadership, responsible entrepreneurship, and mindfulness in shaping the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs. Her dedication to empowering young minds and instilling in them the values of ethical business practices and social awareness serves as a shining example for other entrepreneurs.

Through the MiniBoss Business School, Elena Chirich not only cultivates future business leaders but also champions diversity, inclusivity, and sustainable business practices. Her leadership exemplifies the transformative power of entrepreneurial education in shaping not only economic prosperity but also social cohesion and familial values.

In conclusion, the inauguration of MiniBoss Business School in Melbourne heralds a new era of entrepreneurial education, poised to shape the future of both the economy and society. By nurturing young minds and fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility, the school paves the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for generations to come.

Startup World Cup Championship 2024 will be held in Istanbul

Startup World Cup Championship 2024: Showcase of Entrepreneurial Minds

SWCC was previously carried out in the UK, Ukraine, USA, Philippines, South Korea, Bulgaria and other countries. In 2024, Turkey was chosen for the World Cup as it connects Europe and Asia.

 We are excited to announce the upcoming Startup World Cup Championship 2024, set to take place from June 29 to July 2 in the vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey. This prestigious event will gather young entrepreneurs from across the globe, providing a platform for them to present their innovative ideas and compete for the title of world champion in startup entrepreneurship.

The Startup World Cup Championship has gained significant popularity among young entrepreneurs for several reasons:

Global Exposure: The Startup World Cup offers a global platform that provides young startuppers with exposure to international markets, investors, and media.

Prize Money: The competition features a substantial prize, which is highly attractive for startups seeking funding to scale their operations.

Mentorship and Learning: The event often includes workshops, seminars, and talks by successful entrepreneurs and experts. These sessions provide valuable insights, guidance, and learning opportunities for young startups.

Media Coverage: The Startup World Cup garners significant media attention, which can be beneficial for startups in terms of publicity and brand recognition. Media coverage can help in attracting new customers and talent to the startup.

Experience and Confidence: Participating in a high-stakes competition helps young entrepreneurs gain experience and confidence in pitching their ideas, dealing with high-pressure situations, and presenting their business to a discerning audience.

Access to Resources: Many participants gain access to resources such as office space, business services, and technology tools through partnerships associated with the competition.

Inspiration and Motivation: The event brings together ambitious and innovative individuals, creating an inspiring environment. The stories of success and the energy at the event can motivate participants to persevere and strive for greater achievements.

Competitive Edge: Standing out in a prestigious competition like the Startup World Cup can give startups a competitive edge in their industry, distinguishing them from their peers and providing leverage in negotiations and market positioning.

Networking Opportunities: Participants have the chance to meet and network with industry leaders, potential investors, and fellow entrepreneurs.

Overall, the combination of financial incentives, exposure, learning opportunities, and networking makes the Startup World Cup an attractive event for young entrepreneurs looking to accelerate their startups' growth and success.

The success of the 2023 Championship held in Glasgow, United Kingdom, set a high standard for what promises to be an even more thrilling event this year.

In SWCC 2023, young entrepreneurs from various countries showcased their startups in two distinct leagues:

·        SIFE - Innovative Commercial Entrepreneurship and

·        SAGE - Social Entrepreneurship.

Highlights from the 2023 Championship in Glasgow

The 2023 Championship was a resounding success, with participants demonstrating their ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit. Young innovators presented their groundbreaking startups to a panel of esteemed judges and an audience of their peers. The competition was fierce, but a few teams stood out, earning the coveted titles of world champions.

In the SAGE MINIBOSS league, the top prize went to the team SCAM BUSTERS (Toby Musumeci, Ignatius Mukhtar), Australia.

In the SIFE MINIBOSS league, the top prize went to the team ECONOTES (Salima Mammadli, Esma Dashdamirli, Esma Dashdamirli) Azerbaijan.

In the SIFE BIGBOSS league, the top prize went to the team MAPHI (Anastasiia Azarova) UK.

SWCC 2023 WINNERS

UN SDGs GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

At the SWCC 2024, participants will have the opportunity to present their startups, network with like-minded individuals, and receive valuable feedback from industry experts. The championship not only recognizes and rewards innovative ideas but also fosters a global community of young entrepreneurs dedicated to making a positive impact.

Mark your calendars and prepare to be amazed by the ingenuity and passion of young entrepreneurs at the Startup World Cup Championship 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. 

From now MINIBOSS in Taipei

MINIBOSS BUSINESS SCHOOL, an international educational network and part of the International Business Academy Consortium (United Kingdom), proudly announces the opening of its first branch in Taipei, Taiwan.

Exclusive Training for Young Entrepreneurs

Starting in September 2024, the first 100 students will have the opportunity to join this unique training programme. The number of places is limited, so it is essential to apply as soon as possible. Classes are held in-person on Saturdays: 2 hours per week in the first half of the year, and 3-4 hours in the second half.

Comprehensive Personal Development and Practical Experience

Each student receives a special study guide. They visit major global companies throughout the year and learn about dozens of successful projects. There is no equivalent to this system in terms of completeness and creativity of material presentation.

Long-term Perspective

Founded in 2000, MINIBOSS BUSINESS SCHOOL offers eight areas for comprehensive personal development. IBAC also offers hundreds of programmes, from children's courses to MBA. Graduates of the 8-year programme can continue their education at BIGBOSS BUSINESS SCHOOL, where they receive specialised business education, support from international mentors, business angels, and institutional investors.

Contribution to Taiwan’s Future

The opening of MINIBOSS BUSINESS SCHOOL in Taipei promotes the development of the next generation of entrepreneurs, positively impacting the country's economy and creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Iran's Ebrahim Raisi: The hardline cleric who became president

Ebrahim Raisi is a hard-line cleric close to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose election as president in 2021 consolidated the control of conservatives over every part of the Islamic Republic.

The 63-year-old former judiciary chief succeeded Hassan Rouhani after a landslide victory in a poll which saw many prominent moderate and reformist candidates barred and the majority of voters stay away.

He took power as Iran faced multiple challenges, including acute economic problems, escalating regional tensions, and stalled talks on the revival of a nuclear deal with world powers.

However, his time in office has been dominated by the anti-government protests that swept across Iran in 2022, as well as the current war in Gaza between Israel and the Iran-backed Palestinian group Hamas, during which Iran's shadow war with Israel burst into the open.

He has also faced continuing calls from many Iranians and human rights activists for an investigation into his alleged role in the mass executions of political prisoners in the 1980s.

Ebrahim Raisi was born in 1960 in Mashhad, Iran's second biggest city and home to the country's holiest Shia Muslim shrine. His father, who was a cleric, died when he was five years old.

Mr Raisi, who wears a black turban identifying him in Shia tradition as a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, followed his father's footsteps and started attending a seminary in the holy city of Qom at the age of 15.

While a student he took part in protests against the Western-backed Shah, who was eventually toppled in 1979 in an Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

After the revolution he joined the judiciary and served as a prosecutor in several cities while being trained by Ayatollah Khamenei, who became Iran's president in 1981.

Mr Raisi became the deputy prosecutor in Tehran when he was only 25.

While in that position he served as one of four judges who sat on secret tribunals set up in 1988 that came to be known as the "Death Committee".

The tribunals "re-tried" thousands of prisoners already serving jail sentences for their political activities. Most were members of the leftist opposition group Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), also known as the People's Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI).

Usyk became the Undisputed Winner

Tyson Fury suffered a split-decision points defeat on a dramatic night in Saudi Arabia as Oleksandr Usyk became boxing's first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.

On a grand stage and on a legacy-defining night, Briton Fury began well but was given a standing count and saved by the bell after an Usyk onslaught in the ninth round.

In a tense wait for the scorecards to be read out, Fury appeared convinced of victory before a stony-faced Usyk broke down in tears when he was confirmed as the winner.

The scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 for the Ukrainian, with a third judge scoring it 114-113 to Fury.

It meant Fury, 35, lost for the first time in a 16-year professional career. He will get an immediate opportunity for revenge with a rematch planned for later this year.

"I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority," a defiant Fury said in the ring.

"His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion."

He added: "It was one of the daftest decisions in boxing. I'll be back."

Usyk takes the WBC belt from Fury, to add to his WBA, WBO and IBF collection.

The 37-year-old remains unbeaten and is the first boxer in almost 25 years to stand tall as the sport's sole heavyweight world champion.

"Thank you so much to my team. It's a big opportunity for my family, for me, for my country. It's a great time, it's a great day," Usyk said.

"I am ready for a rematch."