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 the cause of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). Under the theme “Empowering MSMEs for a Sustainable and Digital Future,” the summit aimed to explore digitalization, green innovation, women-led enterprises, and global trade, highlighting India’s leadership and emphasizing tech-driven, inclusive, and sustainable pathways for MSMEs worldwide.
The UN World MSME Day 2025 was a significant event that recognized the crucial role MSMEs play in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation. With over 500 million MSMEs worldwide, they account for around 70% of the world’s workforce and contribute significantly to GDP. However, MSMEs often face unique challenges, including limited access to finance, technology, and markets, which hinder their growth and potential.
The summit aimed to address these challenges by showcasing India’s success stories in promoting MSMEs through digitalization, green innovation, and inclusive growth. India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering MSMEs, stating, “Our vision is to make India a hub for MSMEs, where they can grow and thrive, creating jobs and opportunities for millions.”
Digitalization: The Key to MSME Success
Digitalization was a major focus of the summit, with experts highlighting its potential to increase MSME efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. India’s experience with digitalization has been remarkable, with the government’s Digital India initiative providing a robust digital infrastructure for MSMEs. The initiative includes initiatives such as digital payments, e-commerce, and digital marketing, which have helped MSMEs expand their customer base and increase revenue.
The summit also showcased innovative digital solutions that can benefit MSMEs, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies can help MSMEs automate processes, improve supply chain management, and enhance customer engagement.
Green Innovation: A Sustainable Future
Green innovation was another crucial aspect of the summit, with experts emphasizing the need for MSMEs to adopt sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact. India has made significant strides in promoting green innovation, with initiatives such as the National Clean Energy Fund and the International Solar Alliance.
The summit highlighted innovative green solutions that can benefit MSMEs, such as renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable packaging. These solutions can help MSMEs reduce their carbon footprint, lower their energy costs, and improve their brand reputation.
Women-Led Enterprises: Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
The summit also focused on women-led enterprises, recognizing their significant contribution to the global economy. Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges, including limited access to finance, technology, and networks, which hinder their growth and potential.
The summit showcased innovative initiatives that support women-led enterprises, such as financial inclusion programs, mentorship schemes, and training programs. These initiatives can help women entrepreneurs access the resources they need to grow their businesses and create jobs.
Global Trade: Expanding MSME Reach
Global trade was another key theme of the summit, with experts emphasizing the need for MSMEs to explore international markets to increase their revenue and growth potential. India has made significant strides in promoting global trade, with initiatives such as the Make in India program and the India-Africa Trade Agreement.
The summit highlighted innovative trade solutions that can benefit MSMEs, such as e-commerce platforms, trade finance mechanisms, and logistics solutions. These solutions can help MSMEs expand their customer base, increase their revenue, and create jobs.
Conclusion
The UN World MSME Day 2025 was a significant event that recognized the crucial role MSMEs play in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation. The summit showcased India’s success stories in promoting MSMEs through digitalization, green innovation, and inclusive growth, emphasizing tech-driven, inclusive, and sustainable pathways for MSMEs worldwide.
As the global economy continues to evolve, it is essential for MSMEs to stay competitive, innovative, and sustainable. The summit provided a platform for global leaders to come together and champion the cause of MSMEs, recognizing their potential to drive economic growth and development.
