Don't believe that being an entrepreneur is a God-given gift.

Don't believe that you are born an entrepreneur.

Don't believe that being an entrepreneur is about where you come from.

Don't believe you need special training to become an entrepreneur.

Entrepreneurs are defined by their actions, the path they choose, and their attitude.

The business you start should be about you, who you are, your interests and passions, your knowledge and abilities, and, finally, about the networks you create to help your projects grow and to increase your social impact.

It's a mistake to start by thinking that you have to make money.

Instead of thinking about long-term objectives, successful entrepreneurs focus on achievable goals. They take on risks one step at a time, and as the business grows, they have the confidence to take on bigger challenges. Making mistakes is part of the process. The important thing is to learn from those mistakes. And remember: you don't have to be sure about everything. Having doubts is a good thing. No one can tell what the future holds.

Today, in the context of a slow economic recovery following the financial crisis, it is crucial for young people to have an entrepreneurial spirit. There are currently 73 million young people around the world who are looking for work, and we run the risk of creating a generation who will never find work, or who will have to take on demotivating positions.

That's why I want to talk about the solutions young people can come up with when they start their own businesses.

So then, what can we do to help entrepreneurs succeed?

Entrepreneurs need good, practical advice. The only way to help young entrepreneurs on the road to success is by becoming a volunteer mentor, like in our Youth Business International network. This is a great contribution to society and a very enriching experience, as it helps you reflect on your own life. I would like to invite all the entrepreneurs here tonight to join our network.