Global Education Forum 2025 in the Maldives

Maldives – July 9, 2025 – The picturesque Maldives served as the backdrop for a landmark convergence of global leaders last week, as the World Education, Science, and Innovation Organisation (WESIO) successfully hosted both the 2025 Global EdTech Conference and the broader Global Business Week 2025 (GBW 2025) from July 7th to 15th. The idyllic Kurumba Island buzzed with activity as policymakers, educators, tech innovators, investors, and business leaders from across the globe gathered under the Maldivian sun.

GBW 2025: A Week of Synergy and Success
More than just a series of forums, GBW 2025 delivered on its promise of an immersive experience combining high-level business strategy, innovation showcases, personal development, and unparalleled networking. The integrated format proved highly effective:

Flagship Forums Deliver Results:

• BOSS Business Forum (BBBF 2025): Facilitated strategic alliances between top-tier executives and investors, with several significant cross-border investment deals finalized during private sessions.
• Global EdTech Forum (EdTech 2025): Emerged as the undisputed highlight for education technology (see detailed outcomes below).
• Startup World Cup Championship (SWCC 2025): Crowned a promising AI-driven learning platform from Southeast Asia as the global champion, securing them significant seed funding and mentorship opportunities announced live on stage.
• World Woman Forum (WWF 2025): Forged powerful connections and launched new initiatives focused on accelerating female leadership pipelines in tech and business globally.
• MINIBOSS & BIGBOSS Camps: Attendees actively participated in one-on-one coaching sessions with renowned experts. The innovative "POWERKIDS" Family Business Camp was hailed as a resounding success, engaging youth aged 6-20 alongside their parents in entrepreneurial workshops and team-building activities, fostering the next generation of business minds. Wellness activities like sunrise yoga and snorkeling provided essential balance.

Networking Reaches New Heights: Exclusive gala dinners, vibrant yacht parties, and curated meetups facilitated high-impact connections. Numerous participants reported forging partnerships and securing leads that would have taken months to develop otherwise, crediting the unique "business-meets-vacation" environment.

EdTech 2025: Concrete Steps Towards Transformative Learning
Held on July 9th within the GBW framework and building on the WESIO conference momentum, the Global EdTech Forum (EdTech 2025) delivered tangible outcomes:

AI in Learning Takes Center Stage: Major announcements included the launch of a new open-source framework for adaptive learning AI, developed collaboratively by several attending universities and tech firms, aiming to make personalized education more accessible globally.

Immersive Tech Gains Traction: Demonstrations of advanced AR/VR classroom applications and gamified learning modules received overwhelming interest. Pilot partnerships between EdTech developers and school networks from 3 continents were signed to implement these technologies in diverse educational settings.

Blockchain Credentials Move Forward: A consortium of accreditation bodies and universities unveiled a joint pilot program for blockchain-secured digital diplomas and micro-credentials, set to begin trials in Q4 2025, addressing long-standing verification challenges.

Investment Floodgates Open: The dedicated "Pitch Arena" saw over 15 EdTech startups present. Cumulative investment interest exceeding $120 million was generated during the forum, with several term sheets signed on the spot. A dedicated "Global EdTech Scaling Fund" was also announced by a coalition of impact investors present.

School Leaders Find Solutions: School owners and directors actively engaged with innovators, reporting finding concrete solutions for their institutions and successfully initiating international collaboration agreements.

Over 150 educators and school leaders benefited from grants covering up to 50% of their participation costs (accommodation, meals, registration), significantly enhancing global representation at the EdTech events.

Speakers and exhibitors leveraged their free access to showcase groundbreaking work to a highly relevant international audience, generating significant leads.

Participants departed with valuable gifts, including subscriptions and exclusive discounts on business education programs.

The dual hosting of WESIO's Global EdTech Conference and GBW 2025 in the Maldives has been widely declared a resounding success. The unique combination of stunning location, integrated forums focusing on business, innovation (especially EdTech), family, and wellbeing, coupled with the substantial WESIO support, fostered an environment ripe for breakthrough ideas, strategic partnerships, and significant investment. The outcomes announced – from major tech launches and pilot programs to closed deals and new investment funds – solidify the event's role as a pivotal moment in shaping the future of education technology and global business collaboration. Participants left Kurumba Island not just inspired, but equipped with actionable results and valuable new connections.

10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2025, According to the World Economic Forum

In June 2025, the World Economic Forum published the report “Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025,” which presents key technologies capable of shaping the development of the global economy and industry over the next decade . The selection is based on a strategic-foresight methodology that considers technological maturity, social readiness, environmental and economic impacts, and the political frameworks for deployment.

1. Composite Structural Batteries

Combining structural elements and energy storage into a single component, known as structural battery composites (SBCs), reduces vehicle weight and increases the driving range of electric vehicles without sacrificing structural integrity . According to the WEF, implementing SBCs in the automotive industry could cut weight by 10% and boost range by 6–8%.

2. Osmotic Energy Systems

Proton-exchange and reverse electrodialysis technologies (PRO and RED) harvest energy from the salinity gradient between seawater and freshwater. New semipermeable membranes and optimized system designs provide not only clean energy generation but also desalination capabilities—particularly valuable for coastal regions.

Official Launch of MiniBoss Business School in Iraq

A New Era of Entrepreneurial Education Begins in Iraq

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of MiniBoss Baghdad Business School — the first official MiniBoss franchise in Iraq, proudly joining our prestigious global educational network.

 
🎓 About MiniBoss

MiniBoss Business School is a world-renowned educational system from the UK that empowers children and teenagers through entrepreneurial education, leadership training, financial literacy, and innovation. With its unique 8-year curriculum, MiniBoss has become the gold standard in early business education worldwide.

 
🇮🇶 Iraq is a Cradle of Civilization with a Future of Innovation
Opening in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, is especially meaningful. Iraq is not only a country of immense strategic importance, but also: 

 

The Certification Stage of the Startup World Cup Championship 2025 Has Officially Begun

The international startup championship for youth kicks off a new season

As of June 2025, the first stage of the annual Startup World Cup Championship (SWCC) — the Certification Stage — is officially underway. Once again held in an online format, the event unites young entrepreneurs from around the globe, all of whom are students of the MINIBOSS & BIGBOSS BUSINESS SCHOOLS.

SWCC is more than just a competition. It is a core component of a unique academic methodology developed by the International Business Academy Consortium (IBAC). This educational system, created by distinguished scholar and educator Olga Azarova, blends gamification with real entrepreneurial experience. It allows students to create actual startups — from initial idea to product or service launch.

Top 20 Countries: Best Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (2025)

Based on innovation, government support, infrastructure, and economic impact, these nations lead in fostering entrepreneurship:

14 Finance Types That Could Change Your Life — and Your Business

By Professor AndriiAzarov, International Business Academy Consortium (UK)

One day, after a business forum speech, a young man approached me. He shared his dream: to create an online platform for teachers to reach children in the most remote parts of the world.
“But I have no money—just an idea,” he said, full of hope.

I smiled. Because I know the truth: these days, you don’t need a suitcase of cash to start—you need to understand which types of funding exist, and which one is right for you.
That’s what this article—and my upcoming book—is all about.

In business, money is not the goal. It’s the fuel. And if you want to go far, you need to know what kind of fuel your engine needs. Below are 14 types of finance I’ve personally used, recommended, or seen power successful companies all over the world.

1–4. Sell Equity – Gain a Partner

Angel Investment
Angel investors bring more than money. They bring mentorship and belief. A good angel doesn't just look at your spreadsheets—they see your fire. It’s like a parent investing in a gifted child.

Venture Capital
VCs come in when you’ve already proven you can run. They give you the fuel to scale fast—but they’ll expect you to push hard. It's like upgrading from a bike to a race car: more speed, more risk.

Equity Crowdfunding
What I love about this model is its democracy. Ordinary people become shareholders and ambassadors of your idea. It’s a true market test: if they back you, your idea has wings.

Private Equity
When you've built the factory and want to expand globally, PE steps in. They invest serious capital—and usually take control. It’s about turning something good into something great.

5–12. Borrow Wisely – Use Debt as a Tool

Overdraft
Your emergency buffer. Use it to bridge short-term gaps. But don’t make it a habit—it’s expensive fuel.

Term Loan
The classic. You borrow a lump sum, repay it with interest. Works well when you have predictable cash flows and investment needs—like buying machinery.

Start-up Loan
If you're in the UK, don't overlook this gem. Government-backed, low interest, and includes mentoring. It’s designed for first-time founders.

Asset-Based Lending
One of my favourites for resourceful founders. Got equipment, invoices, or even intellectual property? Use it as collateral and turn it into growth capital.

Invoice Finance
Magic. You’ve invoiced your client, but payment will come in 60 days? Get the money now. Perfect for keeping operations smooth.

Peer-to-Peer Lending
Funding by real people, online. No banks. Sometimes faster, often more personal. A growing alternative in the fintech era.

Leasing & Hire Purchase
Need a van, machines, or new tech? Lease it instead of buying. Especially smart when things lose value quickly.

Export Finance
Going global? Great! But it comes with risk. Export finance protects you from late or non-payment and helps you fulfil international contracts.

13–14. Special Forms of Funding

Grant
A gift. No equity. No repayments. Just support—because your project matters. Grants are powerful in education, tech, sustainability, and community impact.

Mezzanine Finance
A blend of debt and equity. Useful when you’ve outgrown traditional loans but don’t want to give up full control. Often used in growth or acquisition phases. 

📚 Here’s What Matters Most…

Before choosing your finance path, ask yourself three questions:

1. Am I willing to give away part of my business?
   – If yes, equity may be for you.
   – If no, focus on debt options.
2. How much do I need—and when?
   – Need it urgently? Overdraft or P2P.
   – Planning for growth in 12 months? Think VC, PE or Mezzanine.
3. What do I already have?
   – A strong idea and team? Angel investor.
   – Assets and invoices? Try asset-based or invoice finance.
   – A mission with public benefit? Apply for grants. 

🌍 Finance Is Not About Numbers. It’s About Story.

It’s the story of who you are, where you’re going, and how you’ll repay trust.
Finance is built on trust—whether that’s trust in your idea, your leadership, or your balance sheet.

I tell my students this all the time: money follows structure, clarity, and purpose.
Financial strategy is part of business strategy. Without it, you’re a dreamer. With it, you’re a founder. 

📖 My New Book Is Coming Soon

I’m working on a new book for entrepreneurs—about how to think, how to survive your first year, and how to build a business that matters. It includes practical advice, real stories, and yes—a full chapter on choosing the right type of finance.

Because the right kind of money… changes everything.

If this topic inspires you, subscribe to 100news.tv for exclusive pre-release materials.

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This has been Professor Andrii Azarov, Business and Economics.
If you feel ready for your next step—take it. The world is waiting for your business. 💼