two women hand-dyeing pashmina as man looks on
In Nepal, pashmina shawls dyed with plant-based dyes are attracting international buyers.
Photo:© ITC/Camila Guerreiro

2026 Theme: Empowering MSMEs through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development

Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of economies worldwide, representing more than 90 per cent of businesses and contributing significantly to employment, livelihoods and economic growth. As the world confronts intersecting economic, social, environmental and technological challenges, empowering MSMEs through innovation and sustainable industrial development is essential to building resilient economies, advancing Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and accelerating progress across the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises are key sources of jobs, income, and local growth—especially for women, young people, and vulnerable groups. Their size and flexibility help build strong, fair, and sustainable communities.

Challenges

However, many of these businesses face serious challenges. They often struggle to get loans, deal with poor infrastructure, and work under tough conditions. Many operate informally, which limits their access to funding, legal rights, and government support.

Today’s global challenges—like political tensions, climate change, and digital shifts—make it even harder for them to survive. Supply chain issues, higher costs, and uncertain markets have left many at risk. A huge global funding gap remains, despite clear opportunities to grow.

Opportunities

At the same time, rapid advances in digital technologies, artificial intelligence and green innovation offer unprecedented opportunities for MSMEs to increase productivity, improve resilience, access new markets and support sustainable industrial development. Ensuring that MSMEs can benefit from these transformations—and are not left behind by them—requires targeted investments, supportive policies and strengthened partnerships.

To help these businesses succeed, better policies and more accessible funding are crucial. Support for skills training, innovation, and fairer rules can also make a big difference. Since many operate outside the formal system, making it easier to register, access benefits, and follow labor laws will help create better jobs and stronger economies.

MSMEs are powerful engines of innovation, job creation and sustainable development. By expanding access to technology, digital infrastructure, affordable finance and market opportunities, governments and partners can help MSMEs drive inclusive growth, strengthen resilience and contribute to sustainable industrial development.

2026 Events

9th Anniversary - International Forum

Friday, 26 June 2026
10:00 – 18:00 EDT | 16:00 – 23:59 CEST
UN Headquarters, New York | ECOSOC Chamber

Human-Centered Entrepreneurship in an AI-Driven Future: Economic Empowerment for the Next Generation of MSMEs

Agenda

event flyer

High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Side Event

6 July 2026
10:00 - 11:15 EDT
Conference F, United Nations Secretariat

Empowering Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development

Concept Note

Themes:

• MSMEs in a Challenging World 
• Innovation, Technology and Sustainable Industrial Development
• Bridging the Digital and Technology Divide
• Access to Affordable Finance and Market Opportunities

Background

MSMEs account for 90% of businesses, 60 to 70% of employment and 50% of GDP worldwide. As the backbone of societies everywhere they contribute to local and national economies and to sustaining livelihoods, in particular among the working poor, women, youth, and groups in vulnerable situations.

MSMEs hold the potential to transform economies, foster job creation, and promote equitable economic growth if given adequate support. MSMEs Day aims to highlight their pivotal role and explore opportunities for their further advancement.

The United Nations General Assembly designated 27 June as “Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day” (A/RES/71/279) to raise awareness of the tremendous contributions of MSMEs to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Did you know?

  • MSMEs account for around 90% of businesses worldwide.
  • MSMEs generate 60–70% of employment globally.
  • MSMEs contribute about 50% of global GDP.
  • MSMEs are essential for creating local jobs and advancing inclusive growth, especially for women and young people.

Source: UN DCO

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