UN MSME Day 2025: Digital, Green & Inclusive Growth
On July 3, 2025, New Delhi played host to the UN World MSME Day, bringing together over 300 global leaders to champion micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The theme of this year’s summit, “Empowering MSMEs for a Sustainable and Digital Future,” served as the backdrop for a day of insightful discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities. The event aimed to highlight India’s leadership in promoting MSMEs and to emphasize the importance of technology-driven, inclusive, and sustainable pathways for MSMEs worldwide.
The world economy is heavily reliant on MSMEs, which account for a significant portion of global GDP and employment. In fact, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), MSMEs contribute up to 70% of the world’s employment and 50% of its GDP. Despite their importance, MSMEs often face unique challenges, such as limited access to finance, technology, and markets, which can hinder their growth and development.
Against this backdrop, the UN World MSME Day 2025 served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to come together and discuss the future of MSMEs. The event was attended by a diverse range of participants, including government officials, entrepreneurs, investors, and experts from various industries.
The summit kicked off with a keynote address by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who emphasized the critical role that MSMEs play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Secretary-General highlighted the need for policymakers and entrepreneurs to work together to create an enabling environment that supports the growth and development of MSMEs.
The first panel discussion of the day focused on the theme of digitalization and its impact on MSMEs. The panelists, comprising experts from India and around the world, discussed the benefits and challenges of digitalization for MSMEs. They emphasized the need for MSMEs to adopt digital technologies, such as e-commerce platforms and social media, to increase their visibility and reach new customers.
The second panel discussion of the day focused on green innovation and sustainable development. The panelists, comprising experts from the Indian government and industry, discussed the importance of sustainable development and the role that MSMEs can play in achieving it. They highlighted the need for MSMEs to adopt environmentally friendly practices and to invest in sustainable technologies.
The third panel discussion of the day focused on women-led enterprises and the importance of gender equality in MSME development. The panelists, comprising female entrepreneurs and experts from the Indian government and industry, discussed the challenges and opportunities faced by women-led enterprises. They emphasized the need for policymakers and entrepreneurs to create an enabling environment that supports the growth and development of women-led enterprises.
The final panel discussion of the day focused on global trade and the importance of international cooperation in promoting MSME development. The panelists, comprising experts from the Indian government and industry, discussed the benefits and challenges of global trade for MSMEs. They emphasized the need for policymakers and entrepreneurs to work together to create an enabling environment that supports the growth and development of MSMEs.
The UN World MSME Day 2025 was a resounding success, with participants leaving the event with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to promoting the growth and development of MSMEs. The event served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to come together and discuss the future of MSMEs, and it highlighted India’s leadership in promoting MSMEs.
In conclusion, the UN World MSME Day 2025 was a significant event that brought together global leaders to champion MSMEs. The event emphasized the importance of digitalization, green innovation, women-led enterprises, and global trade in promoting MSME development. It also highlighted India’s leadership in promoting MSMEs and emphasized the need for policymakers and entrepreneurs to work together to create an enabling environment that supports the growth and development of MSMEs.
