National Workshop Strengthening Resilience of Women and Youth-led Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Creative Industry in the Philippines for Implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector in the Philippines is crucial in creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. It is deemed as the engine of economic growth, job creation and poverty eradication of the country. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted MSMEs, undermining their contributions to inclusive and sustainable growth. Combined with the unexpected and devasting effects of the recent typhoon that affected many parts of the country, the pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to implement robust policies and good practices aimed at strengthening MSME resilience, especially among women and youth MSME entrepreneurs. In that regard, elevating the resilience of MSMEs will contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs in the Philippines. Bringing onboard relevant MSME stakeholders in the Philippines in an inclusive manner, the policy workshop will provide outcomes and policy recommendations that will contribute to expanding opportunities to elevate MSME resilience, in particular, through the effective utilization of e-commerce models and digital technology.

Jointly organized by DSDG/DESA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippines, the workshop will focus on the creative industry sector that has grown into an important pillar of the national economy, contributing to seven percent to national economic growth and producing about $ 3 billion products and services. The Government of the Philippines has recognized the creative industry sector as one of the pillars upholding national economic prosperity and committed the vision to build the Philippines as one of the top creative economies in the ASEAN region by 2030. The primary objective of this workshop is to facilitate strategic discussions among policymakers, MSME entrepreneurs, development partners and stakeholder groups in the Philippines to identify, document and exchange experiences and lessons learnt on enhancing MSME resilience for building back better. The workshop will explore potential gaps constraining MSME resilience and their contributions to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Philippines. It will identify areas where the MSME project would provide added value. Key messages from the workshop will inform the MSME policymaking process in the Philippines as well as planning and implementation of the MSME project in the Philippines. The workshop will be organized from 26 to 27 May in Manila, the Philippines. Please click here to virtually join the workshop at Zoom with the meeting ID 919 1381 8339 at passcode 256227 For more information about the workshop, please contact Clark Ke Liu (ke.liu@un.org ext: 7-3693)