12 July 2024, Guinea Bissau - UNDP ICPSD and UNDP Guinea Bissau co-hosted an on-site booster training of trainer session from July 10 to 12, 2024. This event aimed to further enhance entrepreneurial skills and technological know-how among various stakeholders by using HP LIFE content. The training followed up on the initial session conducted online in December 2023 and was led in Portuguese by Master Trainer Dr. Dana Redford.

The training was conducted on site at the Kau-Criar Innovation Center, a joint initiative by UNDP Guinea Bissau and Impact Hub Bissau. The center is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship by offering acceleration programs, incubation, and coworking services. The collaboration between UNDP and Impact Hub Bissau leverages resources and experience to provide a supportive environment for local entrepreneurs.

Ismael Pereira, the Director of the Hub, highlighted the importance of this follow-up training for participants initially trained online in December. "The opportunity to meet and interact with Prof. Redford was extremely helpful, and we look forward to seeing new initiatives from the trainees that will aid Bissau-Guineans in developing their entrepreneurial and digital skills," Pereira stated.

The private sector and foundations’ role in sustainable development is crucial, as evidenced by the successful partnership between UNDP and HP Foundation. Since 2017, they have been collaborating on the Entrepreneurial Skills Development Initiative for the SDGs (E-SDG) to transform lives and communities worldwide. A key pillar of this partnership is the organization of Training of Trainers sessions, which aim to equip educators and leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. These sessions are conducted globally, ensuring that trainers are well-prepared to deliver impactful and sustainable entrepreneurial education in their respective communities, ultimately contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The E-SDG aims to promote entrepreneurial skills worldwide and enhance existing initiatives with HP LIFE e-learning content. HP LIFE is a free business skills training program from the HP Foundation. It can be accessed online via the HP LIFE platform and mobile app, as well as off-platform and in person. It offers more than 30 free, accessible training courses in eight languages for students, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners all over the world. It is also an adaptable educational resource used by trainers, educators, and mentors. The initiative integrates HP LIFE’s international programming with local institutions and NGOs, offering training of trainers for both online and onsite activities. To date, E-SDG has reached over 500 trainers from more than 30 countries and territories. Since 2022, UNDP ICPSD has extended the initiative's reach to Portuguese-speaking Africa.

The training in Bissau was marked by excellent interaction among participants, facilitated by discussion questions and a detailed workshop outline.