09/10/2026
Petrică Dulgheru, Founder & Executive Director REDI, was invited to speak at the Presidential Court in Abu Dhabi for the The Balkan Impact Network event.
The first time ever the Roma topic was addressed at this prestigious event.
Petrică spoke about one of the most successful venture philanthropy projects from the Balkans: REDI fund, which created new ways for Roma entrepreneurs to reach the capital and markets that the mainstream economy kept closed to them. In the past decade, REDI brought on board some of Europe's largest investment institutions, as well as over 10 microfinance institutions.
These funds supported innovative business in agriculture, crafts and skilled professionals.
Petrică also presented his latest dream projects, still under construction: housing and eldercare.
The conversation took place in a room that brought together members of the Emirati Royal Family, ambassadors, business leaders, and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ciprian Necula, Executive Director of Roma Education Fund, was also present.
From access to capital to new markets and strategic partnerships, working to position Roma entrepreneurship where economic decisions are being made is essential.
