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 summit, held under the theme “Empowering MSMEs for a Sustainable and Digital Future,” delved into the pressing issues of digitalisation, green innovation, women-led enterprises, and global trade. The event showcased India’s leadership in promoting tech-driven, inclusive, and sustainable pathways for MSMEs worldwide.
The UN World MSME Day 2025 emphasized the crucial role MSMEs play in driving economic growth, employment, and innovation. With over 90% of businesses globally falling under the MSME category, these enterprises are the backbone of the global economy. However, they often face significant challenges, including limited access to finance, technology, and markets. The summit aimed to address these challenges and provide solutions to help MSMEs thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Digitalisation: The Key to Unlocking MSME Potential
One of the primary focuses of the summit was digitalisation. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, and MSMEs are no exception. However, many still struggle to integrate technology into their operations, hindering their ability to compete in the global market. The summit highlighted the importance of digitalisation in enhancing MSME productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.
Speakers at the event emphasized the need for MSMEs to adopt digital solutions, such as e-commerce platforms, digital payment systems, and online marketplaces. These technologies can help MSMEs reach a wider customer base, reduce costs, and improve supply chain management. The Indian government’s initiatives, such as the “Digital MSME” platform, were also showcased as a model for other countries to follow.
Green Innovation: The Future of Sustainable Growth
The summit also focused on green innovation, recognizing the critical role MSMEs play in driving sustainable development. With the world facing an unprecedented climate crisis, the need for sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices has never been more pressing. MSMEs can play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Speakers at the event highlighted the importance of green innovation in MSMEs, citing examples of successful sustainable business models. The Indian government’s initiatives, such as the “Green MSME” program, were also showcased as a model for other countries to follow.
Women-Led Enterprises: Unlocking Potential
The summit also emphasized the importance of women-led enterprises, recognizing the significant contribution women can make to economic growth and development. Women-led MSMEs often face unique challenges, including limited access to finance and resources. The summit aimed to provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to share their experiences and challenges, and to highlight successful women-led businesses.
Speakers at the event emphasized the need for greater support for women-led MSMEs, including access to finance, mentorship, and training. The Indian government’s initiatives, such as the “Women Entrepreneurship Platform,” were also showcased as a model for other countries to follow.
Global Trade: Opening Up New Opportunities
The summit also focused on global trade, recognizing the critical role MSMEs play in international trade. MSMEs often face significant challenges in accessing international markets, including limited resources and lack of knowledge about international trade regulations. The summit aimed to provide a platform for MSMEs to learn about global trade opportunities and to connect with potential buyers and partners.
Speakers at the event emphasized the need for greater support for MSMEs in international trade, including access to finance, market research, and trade facilitation services. The Indian government’s initiatives, such as the “Trade Facilitation Portal,” were also showcased as a model for other countries to follow.
Conclusion
The UN World MSME Day 2025 was a significant event that brought together global leaders to champion MSMEs. The summit highlighted the importance of digitalisation, green innovation, women-led enterprises, and global trade in promoting MSME growth and development. India’s leadership in promoting tech-driven, inclusive, and sustainable pathways for MSMEs was also showcased.
The event provided a platform for MSMEs to share their experiences and challenges, and to connect with potential buyers and partners. It also highlighted the need for greater support for MSMEs, including access to finance, technology, and markets.
As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to promote MSME growth and development, recognizing their critical role in driving economic growth, employment, and innovation. The UN World MSME Day 2025 was an important step in this direction, and we look forward to seeing the impact it will have on MSMEs worldwide.
