International Workshop Harnessing Geospatial and Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to Deliver SDGs

Background

Representing over 90% of businesses globally, micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are vital engines of job creation, inclusive economic growth and innovations. Nonetheless, many MSMEs, especially those owned by women and youth entrepreneurs, face barriers such as limited access to digital infrastructure, financial resources, along with limited capacities to harness cutting-edge technologies. The 2025 High Level Political Forum (HLPF) Ministerial Declaration calls for countries to address the challenges by strengthening MSME capacities and unlocking their full potentials in accelerating SDG implementation. Likewise, the Sevilla Commitment takes note on significant contributions of MSMEs to advancing sustainable development. Cutting-edge digital technologies, in particular, Geospatial and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, offer powerful tools to address the challenges. These technologies are able to help MSMEs optimize supply chains, capture customer demands based via big-data analysis, and access to affordable financial resources—ultimately, boosting MSME competitiveness, growth and resilience.

In this context, this workshop aims to bring together stakeholders from governments, MSME associations, the private sector and international organizations to exchange experience and good practices, as well as identify opportunities and solutions to best harness geospatial and AI technologies to empower MSMEs as key drivers to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The workshop is jointly organized by the Division for Sustainable Development Goals, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DSDG/DESA) and the United Nations Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Centre (UNGGKIC).