PURPOSE: The United Nations General Assembly declared 27 June as Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, to raise public awareness of their contribution to sustainable development and the global economy. Policymakers must move beyond recovery and consider ways in which to lower and eliminate barriers faced by MSMEs, improve the business environment and access to finance, markets and technology in these fragile times. It is critical that countries and their development partners continue to support and empower MSMEs and unlock their full potential through inspiring innovation, creativity and decent work for all.
FORUM: "MSMEs and the SDGs." Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day 2024. The Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises are the lifeblood of every community and key drivers of sustainable development at local level. For them to succeed and gain access to the global economy they need to be future-ready through the adoption of new technologies, sustainable and innovative practices and resilient strategies to navigate today’s economic landscape and seize emerging opportunities. As we commemorate the 2024 International MSME Day, we are just six years away from the 2030 deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and progress is lagging. Many countries continue to face a range of unique and interconnected development challenges that include a cost-of-living crisis, constrained fiscal space, obstacles to accessing new sources of development and climate financing, and conflicts. Economic, social and environmental challenges are compounding mounting poverty and hunger. The 2024 MSME Day offers an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas on how key stakeholders, including policy makers, large companies, financial institutions, and the international community can support micro-, small and medium-sized businesses to advance the 2030 Agenda and contribute to achieving the SDGs, including poverty eradication and decent work for all. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #smallbusinesses, #27June, #MSMEday, #MSMEs.
EVENT: At UNHQ New York On June 27th, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT, Conference Room 5, a plenary session entitled ''Leveraging the Power and Resilience of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to Accelerate Sustainable Development and Eradicate Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises.'' will explore ways that MSMEs, a sector that represents over 90% of all businesses globally, can meaningfully contribute innovative solutions to the challenges of our time and drive forward inclusive growth and shared prosperity. Read the Concept Note and Watch the event!
At UN GENEVA; On June 27th, from 10:00 - 18:00 PM CEST at ILO Governing body room (morning) in the Palais des Nations, room XVII (afternoon), an in-person event will be held under the theme "Human-Centered Impact: Advancing the UN SDGs through MSMEs". As we steer our ship into a new development course in a changing world, the importance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the circular economy is crystal clear. MSMEs, which account for 90% of businesses, more than 70% of employment, and 50% of GDP worldwide, remain the core of the economy for most societies. A human-centered approach is central to the evolving 'circular economy,' emphasizing the importance of individuals and communities in driving sustainable transformation. Considering people's well-being and prioritizing inclusive participation ensures that new systems align and contextualize local culture and personal/institutional needs. Read the Concept Note for Geneva event and the Programme for Geneva event!
On June 27th, from 14:00 - 16:00 PM CEST, the UNCTAD and the Empretec Global Network will held a virtual-event to mark the Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day 2024. This event will bring together representatives from international organizations, the public sector, industry experts, tech pioneers and future-driven thought leaders to explore the best strategies for MSMEs to thrive and discuss the design of supportive business environments. It will focus on the need for small businesses to digitalize, the up-skilling and re-skilling of MSMEs, women entrepreneurs in the logistic sector and innovative financing for MSMEs. The Empretec Global Network supports MSMEs and start-ups in their development, spotlighting the importance of creating conducive business ecosystems where these enterprises can access education, funding, talent, innovation and peer-to-peer networks to scale up. Empretec is recognized by United Nations General Assembly resolutions since 2012 as a tool for sustainable development of entrepreneurship. Explore the agenda Programme and Register to participate!
STATEMENTS: Read the statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day 2024; June 27th.
PODCASTS: Increasing annual investments in small and medium-sized enterprises by $1 trillion would yield disproportionate dividends in terms of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. 600 million jobs will be needed by 2030 to absorb the growing global workforce, which makes SME development a high priority for many governments around the world. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Join the 2024 Campaign “Leveraging Power and Resilience of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises to Accelerate SDGs and Eradicate Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises.” The Participants will include international experts and representatives from all stakeholder groups. Get the campaign Materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
PARTNERSHIPS
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
The Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day is co-organized by the United Nations Secretariat, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Global Compact, the SME Finance Forum, the World Bank.
With the Collaboration of the International Council on Small Business (ICSB), the OECD SME and Entrepreneurship, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With the participation of Civil Society Organizations, the Public and Private sectors, Non-Governmental Organizations, Entrepreneurs and academics.
Reach and support the self-employed, smaller and younger firms, women, and entrepreneurs.
Focus on the need of SMEs.
Advance entrepreneurship worldwide by developing research skills and career opportunities.
Engage cities with SMEs toward Sustainability, entrepreneuship and innovation in a globalized world.
Invite stakeholders to know that Humane Entrepreneurship empowers people and produces extraordinary results.
Pay particular attention to local people and their cultures by increasing investments. Combining culture with traditions encourages the world of entrepreurs.
Coordinate Governments, academics and business sectors in an Entrepreneurship/Education ecosystem that supports growth.
Organize live events, and initiate partnerships with community groups.
Promote the development of Micro-enterprises, small businesses and Medium-sized enterprises.
On April 6, 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing the crucial role Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) play in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Resolution (A/71/279) designates June 27th as “Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day”. With support from ICSB, the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the UN authored the resolution that was presented to and negotiated with all United Nations member states. The resolution was co-sponsored by 54 member states, representing over 5 billion people. Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, all countries have been working for its implementation, which aims to ensure that every actor can contribute in the best possible way.