UN MSME Day 2025: Digital, Green & Inclusive Growth
On July 3, 2025, New Delhi played host to the UN World MSME Day, bringing together a diverse group of over 300 global leaders to champion the cause of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). The event, titled “Empowering MSMEs for a Sustainable and Digital Future,” was a testament to the growing importance of these enterprises in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable development worldwide.
The summit aimed to address the pressing challenges faced by MSMEs and explore innovative solutions to empower them for a digital, green, and inclusive future. It was fitting that India, a country known for its vibrant MSME sector, hosted this prestigious event. With its vast experience in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, India showcased its leadership in driving tech-driven, inclusive, and sustainable pathways for MSMEs worldwide.
The theme of the summit was particularly relevant in today’s fast-changing business landscape. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, digitalization, and social inequality, MSMEs are at the forefront of finding innovative solutions. They are often the backbone of local economies, providing employment opportunities and driving economic growth in underserved communities.
The event kicked off with a keynote address by a senior government official, who emphasized the critical role of MSMEs in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He highlighted India’s commitment to promoting sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation, and showcased the country’s achievements in promoting MSMEs through policies and initiatives.
The summit then delved into the theme’s three sub-themes: digitalization, green innovation, and women-led enterprises. The first session focused on digitalization, with experts highlighting the importance of embracing digital technologies to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve competitiveness. They shared success stories of MSMEs that had leveraged digital solutions to scale up their operations and reach new markets.
The second session focused on green innovation, with a spotlight on sustainable practices and eco-friendly products. Experts shared innovative solutions that had been developed by MSMEs to reduce their environmental footprint, such as sustainable packaging, energy-efficient manufacturing, and waste reduction initiatives.
The third session was dedicated to women-led enterprises, which are often at the forefront of driving social and economic change. The session highlighted the importance of women’s economic empowerment and showcased the success stories of women entrepreneurs who had made a significant impact in their communities.
The summit also featured breakout sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, allowing attendees to share their experiences and best practices in promoting MSMEs. The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, entrepreneurs, investors, and experts from various industries.
The event concluded with a call to action, urging governments, businesses, and civil society to work together to promote MSMEs and create a more inclusive and sustainable economy. The summit’s recommendations included:
- Encouraging digitalization and innovation among MSMEs to increase their competitiveness and sustainability.
- Promoting green innovation and sustainable practices among MSMEs to reduce their environmental footprint.
- Empowering women-led enterprises and promoting women’s economic empowerment.
- Facilitating global trade and investment in MSMEs to enable them to scale up their operations and reach new markets.
In conclusion, the UN MSME Day 2025 was a significant event that brought together global leaders to champion the cause of MSMEs. The summit’s focus on digitalization, green innovation, and women-led enterprises showcased India’s leadership in promoting sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, digitalization, and social inequality, MSMEs are at the forefront of finding innovative solutions. It is essential that governments, businesses, and civil society work together to promote MSMEs and create a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
