A Strategic Platform for Economic Opportunity
Th International Youth Institute (Youth Institute USA), represented by its President, Mr. Gabriel MVOGO SAINT, was honored to be invited by the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) to participate as a speaker at the event entitled “Doing Business with FIFA World Cup 2026™”. The event took place on June 24 at the headquarters of the institution in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
This high-level briefing, organized by OESBD, aimed to highlight the economic and commercial opportunities generated by the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ in the United States, a global sporting event expected to serve as a major catalyst for regional and international economic development.
A Strategic Platform for Economic Opportunity
The event provided an in-depth overview of the projected economic impact of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ on South Florida, with a particular focus on key sectors poised to benefit, including hospitality, tourism, media, logistics, and infrastructure. Discussions also emphasized opportunities for local partnerships, business collaborations, and inclusive economic participation involving small businesses and emerging enterprises.
For Youth Institute USA, this invitation represented a strategic opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to positioning youth as active contributors and beneficiaries of large-scale global economic initiatives, particularly those connected to major international sporting events.
During his remarks, Mr. Gabriel MVOGO SAINT highlighted the core missions of Youth Institute USA, including youth empowerment, leadership development, civic engagement, and international cooperation, all of which align closely with the values and legacy of the FIFA World Cup.
He emphasized that sport especially football constitutes a powerful tool for economic inclusion, social innovation, and community cohesion, particularly when young people are intentionally integrated into economic planning, entrepreneurship, and decision-making processes.
Mr. MVOGO SAINT also recalled that he previously had the honor of serving as the official ball carrier for the FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025, a symbolic role reflecting Youth Institute USA’s ongoing engagement within the international football ecosystem.
Institutional acknowledgements and appreciation
Youth Institute USA extends its sincere gratitude to the organizers of the event and, in particular, to:
Ms. Maribel Feliciano, Director of the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development, for her leadership and oversight of the office’s economic development initiatives and support programs for small businesses.
Ms. Paola Isaac Baraya, International Trade Specialist at OESBD, for her outstanding work in advancing international trade initiatives and coordinating global business engagement related to the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The entire OESBD team, whose professionalism and commitment continue to strengthen Broward County’s economic readiness for global events of this magnitude.
Youth Institute USA also extends its congratulations to Ms. Alina T. Hudak, President and Chief executive officer of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami host committee, for her leadership in preparing the Miami region to successfully host this historic global event and maximize its long-term economic and social impact.
The collaboration between Youth Institute USA and institutions such as OESBD underscores the importance of integrating youth leadership into economic development strategies associated with major international events. As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ approaches, these partnerships will play a critical role in strengthening small businesses, fostering innovation, and ensuring that the economic benefits of the tournament are inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking.
