UN MSME Day 2025: Digital, Green & Inclusive Growth
On July 3, 2025, New Delhi played host to the United Nations’ World MSME Day, bringing together a congregation of over 300 global leaders to champion the cause of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). The theme of the summit was “Empowering MSMEs for a Sustainable and Digital Future,” which served as the backdrop for a stimulating discussion on the crucial role MSMEs play in driving economic growth, innovation, and development.
The event was a testament to India’s leadership in promoting MSMEs, which are the backbone of most economies worldwide. With the Indian government’s initiatives, such as the MSME Development Act, 2006, and the MSME Ministry’s efforts to provide support and incentives to MSMEs, the country has emerged as a pioneer in promoting MSMEs.
The summit’s focus on digitalisation, green innovation, women-led enterprises, and global trade highlighted the need for MSMEs to adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape. The event showcased India’s progress in promoting tech-driven, inclusive, and sustainable pathways for MSMEs worldwide.
Digitalisation: The Key to Unlocking MSME Potential
The world is witnessing a digital revolution, and MSMEs are no exception. Digitalisation has opened up new opportunities for MSMEs to reach a wider audience, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. The summit highlighted the importance of digitalisation in empowering MSMEs to compete with larger corporations and stay ahead in the market.
India has been at the forefront of promoting digitalisation among MSMEs. Initiatives such as the Digital India programme and the National Digital Payments Mission have enabled MSMEs to leverage digital technologies for growth. The summit provided a platform for MSMEs to share their experiences and best practices in adopting digital technologies, such as e-commerce, e-payments, and digital marketing.
Green Innovation: The New Frontier
The summit also shed light on the importance of green innovation in promoting sustainable development. With climate change becoming a pressing global concern, MSMEs have a critical role to play in reducing carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices.
India has been a pioneer in promoting green innovation, with initiatives such as the National Clean Energy Fund and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s efforts to promote sustainable development. The summit showcased innovative green technologies and practices adopted by MSMEs, such as renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable packaging.
Women-Led Enterprises: The Unsung Heroes
Women-led enterprises are a critical component of MSMEs, contributing significantly to economic growth and development. The summit highlighted the challenges faced by women-led enterprises, such as lack of access to funding, limited networks, and gender bias.
India has been at the forefront of promoting women-led enterprises, with initiatives such as the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s efforts to empower women entrepreneurs. The summit provided a platform for women-led enterprises to share their experiences and best practices, highlighting the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in promoting sustainable development.
Global Trade: The Key to Unlocking MSME Potential
Global trade is critical for MSMEs to reach a wider audience and expand their businesses. The summit highlighted the importance of international trade agreements, such as the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) agreement on trade facilitation, in promoting MSMEs.
India has been a strong advocate for promoting international trade, with initiatives such as the Make in India programme and the India-Africa Trade Agreement. The summit provided a platform for MSMEs to share their experiences and best practices in international trade, highlighting the importance of global trade in promoting economic growth and development.
Conclusion
The UN World MSME Day 2025 was a landmark event that brought together global leaders to champion the cause of MSMEs. The summit’s focus on digitalisation, green innovation, women-led enterprises, and global trade highlighted the need for MSMEs to adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape.
India’s leadership in promoting MSMEs has emerged as a shining example, with initiatives such as the MSME Development Act, 2006, and the MSME Ministry’s efforts to provide support and incentives to MSMEs. The event showcased India’s progress in promoting tech-driven, inclusive, and sustainable pathways for MSMEs worldwide.
As we move forward, it is essential that we recognize the critical role MSMEs play in driving economic growth, innovation, and development. By promoting digitalisation, green innovation, women-led enterprises, and global trade, we can unlock the potential of MSMEs and create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
