Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), representing over 90 per cent of businesses globally and accounting for a significant share of employment, remain central to employment, inclusive growth, decent work and sustainable industrial development. As is highlighted in global policy discussions, MSMEs are uniquely positioned to drive economic resilience and innovation, while they continue to face barriers, including limited access to affordable finance, innovative technology, connectivity, market opportunities, and digital infrastructure, along with confronting disaster and climate risks.
In its Resolution A/RES/71/279, the United Nations General Assembly designated 27 June as “Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day” to underline the tremendous contributions of MSMEs to sustainable development. Against this backdrop, and in recognition of the 2026 HLPF review of SDG 9 and parallel Sustainable Development Goals, this event will focus on how innovation and sustainable industrial development can empower MSMEs to navigate multiple challenges and accelerate progress towards the SDGs.
This event aims to highlight the critical role of MSMEs as drivers of inclusive growth, innovation and sustainable industrial development in a world of multiple challenges; at the same time of facilitating policy dialogue on enabling MSMEs to leverage innovation and emerging technologies for competitiveness and growth
