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 diverse group of over 300 global leaders to champion the cause of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). The theme of the summit, “Empowering MSMEs for a Sustainable and Digital Future,” set the tone for a thought-provoking and insightful discussion on the future of MSMEs in the ever-evolving global economy.
The UN World MSME Day 2025 was a testament to India’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth, particularly in the context of MSMEs. The summit provided a platform for global leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to share their experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by MSMEs.
Digitalisation: The Key to Unlocking MSME Potential
The inaugural session of the summit focused on digitalisation, with a panel discussion on “Digitalisation: The Key to Unlocking MSME Potential.” The discussion highlighted the importance of digital transformation in MSMEs, enabling them to compete with larger corporations and expand their reach globally. The panellists emphasized the need for MSMEs to adopt digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance their operational efficiency, improve customer engagement, and reduce costs.
India’s experience in digitalising MSMEs was showcased through the success stories of various startups and MSMEs that have leveraged digital technologies to drive growth and innovation. The session also underscored the importance of creating a conducive digital ecosystem, including digital infrastructure, skills development, and regulatory support, to facilitate MSME growth.
Green Innovation: A Sustainable Future for MSMEs
The second session of the summit focused on green innovation, with a panel discussion on “Green Innovation: A Sustainable Future for MSMEs.” The discussion highlighted the critical role that MSMEs play in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in the context of climate change. The panellists emphasized the need for MSMEs to adopt sustainable practices, use renewable energy sources, and develop eco-friendly products to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a sustainable future.
India’s efforts to promote green innovation in MSMEs were showcased through initiatives such as the “Make in India” and “Startup India” programs, which aim to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation in the country. The session also emphasized the importance of creating a supportive policy environment, including tax incentives, subsidies, and research funding, to facilitate the adoption of green technologies by MSMEs.
Women-Led Enterprises: A Key to Inclusive Growth
The third session of the summit focused on women-led enterprises, with a panel discussion on “Women-Led Enterprises: A Key to Inclusive Growth.” The discussion highlighted the critical role that women-led enterprises play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and promoting social inclusion. The panellists emphasized the need for women-led enterprises to access financing, mentorship, and networking opportunities to overcome the challenges they face in accessing markets and scaling their businesses.
India’s experience in promoting women-led enterprises was showcased through initiatives such as the “Women Entrepreneurs Platform” and “Start-up India- Women Entrepreneurship Platform,” which aim to empower women entrepreneurs and provide them with access to resources, funding, and mentorship. The session also emphasized the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem, including policies and regulations, to facilitate the growth of women-led enterprises.
Global Trade: Opportunities and Challenges
The final session of the summit focused on global trade, with a panel discussion on “Global Trade: Opportunities and Challenges.” The discussion highlighted the critical role that MSMEs play in global trade, particularly in the context of international trade agreements and supply chain disruptions. The panellists emphasized the need for MSMEs to adapt to changing global trade patterns, diversify their markets, and develop strategies to mitigate risks associated with trade disruptions.
India’s experience in global trade was showcased through its membership in various international trade agreements, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The session also emphasized the importance of creating a supportive policy environment, including trade facilitation, customs clearance, and logistics infrastructure, to facilitate MSME exports and imports.
Conclusion
The UN World MSME Day 2025 in New Delhi was a resounding success, showcasing India’s leadership in promoting MSME growth and development. The summit’s focus on digitalisation, green innovation, women-led enterprises, and global trade highlighted the critical role that MSMEs play in achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The event also emphasized the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem, including policies, regulations, and infrastructure, to facilitate MSME growth and development.
As the world continues to navigate the complexities of the global economy, it is essential for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to come together to champion the cause of MSMEs. The UN World MSME Day 2025 was a powerful reminder of the critical role that MSMEs play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and promoting social inclusion. As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to support and empower MSMEs to achieve their full potential and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.
