MSMEs: Key to an inclusive and sustainable recovery

The COVID-19 crisis has taught us that the pandemic and containment measures do not impact everyone in the same way. Among the private sector, Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), especially those led by women, youth, ethnic minorities and migrants, suffered the most. An International Trade Centre survey on COVID-19 impact among businesses in 136 countries has shown that nearly 62% of women-led small businesses have been strongly affected by the crisis, compared to just over half of firms led by men, and women-owned are 27% more likely not to survive the pandemic.

As governments vaccinate their populations, the world continues to deal with several other challenges that include the ongoing effects of climate change, biodiversity lost, and pollution. If unabated, these three crises are expected to have severe negative implications for economic growth, human health and ecosystems, employment and livelihoods. What lessons can we capture from COVID-19 response to ensure that MSMEs are resilient to the looming climate crisis, and are drivers of an inclusive transition towards more sustainable economies?

Formal and informal MSMEs make up over 90% of all firms and account, on average, for 70% of total employment and 50% of GDP. As such, they are key actors in achieving a green recovery.

THE POWER OF SMALL: UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF MSMEs

Explore this infostory to discover the full potential of the MSMEs in securing a better future of work of everyone.

 

MSME Day 2021: celebrate the day through collaborative ideas that facilitate business push

The General Assembly declared 27 June Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, to raise public awareness of their contribution to sustainable development and the global economy.

In 2021, the theme is "MSME 2021: key to an inclusive and sustainable recovery." That is why the UN will be hosting a series of events to explore how MSMEs – the backbone of our economies – can be equipped to ensure an equitable and sustainable post-COVID-19 recovery.

Join the social media campaign using UN digital assets.

2021 UN Events

As micro, small and medium-sized enterprises emerge stronger from the aftermath of COVID-19, the United Nations and its partners celebrate the pivotal role that these resilient entrepreneurs play in strengthening the global economy.

In order to find inspiration in these difficult times, the United Nations hosts three special events:

SME Competitiveness Outlook 2021: Empowering the Green Recovery

Thursday, 24 June 2021 / 9:00 – 9:45 EDT / 15:00 - 15:45 CEST  

Join International Trade Centre virtually for the TV talk show 'Empowering the Green Recovery', with key findings from the 2021 edition of the International Trade Centre's annual flagship report, the SME Competitiveness Outlook. Watch business and trade leaders discuss lessons from the pandemic for climate change and the launch of the Green Recovery Plan to support small business. Watch the live talk show on the ITC Facebook and LinkedIn and engage in the live chat, and to come with questions for ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton.

MSME Digital Champions Initiative

Friday, 25 June 2021 / 9:00 – 9:45 EDT  /  15:00-15:45 CEST 

We are calling business support organizations and non-governmental organizations to submit innovative ideas that helps small, exporting businesses in going digital. The initiative will be officially launched on 25 June at 14:00 CEST through a Zoom event. Winners will be announced at the 12th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Geneva from 30 November to 3 December 2021.

Register

UN MSME Day Event: MSMEs: Key to an inclusive and sustainable recovery

Monday, 28 June 2021 / 08:00-10:30 EDT / 14:00-16:30 CEST

Achieving the SDGs, and an economy that is greener and fairer requires resilient and flourishing MSMEs everywhere. A live panel discussion with entrepreneurs from Argentina, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya and Senegal who will share insights on how they contribute to an inclusive and sustainable recovery. In high-level plenary segments, leaders from government, international organizations, business support organizations, and the private sector will share priorities to support MSMEs on this path. Watch the event live on UN WebTV.

Register

• International Trade Center
• MSME Week (OECD)
• ILO's COVID-19 response: Small and Medium Enterprises and SME resilience
• UNIDO's COVID-19 response
• The World Bank Small and Medium enterprises finance – and COVID-19 response
• International Council for Small Businesses
• United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
• United Nations Development Programme
• United Nations Global Compact
• SME Finance Forum

• Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, General Assembly resolution
• 2021 SME Competitiveness Outlook report
• Guidance for MSMEs business recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
• 2020 Empretec Women in Business Awards
• 2020 Report of the UN Secretary-General: Entrepreneurship for sustainable development
• ICSB 2021 MSMEs Report
• OECE SME and Entrepreneurship Outlook 2021
• UNDESA – MSME Policy Report
• SME Competitiveness Report COVID-19: The Great Lockdown and its Impact on Small Business
• Small Matters: Global evidence on the contribution to employment by the self-employed, micro-enterprises and SMEs
• A 10-step tool for a safe and healthy return to work in times of COVID-19
• Global Symposium on the Role of Micro-, Small- and Medium- Enterprises (MSMEs) in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Micro-, small and medium sized enterprises are vital in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. They are an important element in the implementation of SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure.)