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 over 300 global leaders to champion the cause of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). The summit, themed “Empowering MSMEs for a Sustainable and Digital Future,” explored the pressing issues of digitalization, green innovation, women-led enterprises, and global trade. As India took center stage, the event showcased the country’s leadership in promoting tech-driven, inclusive, and sustainable pathways for MSMEs worldwide.
The importance of MSMEs cannot be overstated. They form the backbone of any economy, driving job creation, innovation, and economic growth. In fact, MSMEs account for around 90% of businesses globally, employing over 200 million people. However, they often face significant challenges, including limited access to finance, technology, and markets. The UN World MSME Day aimed to address these challenges and empower MSMEs to thrive in today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven economy.
The summit kicked off with a keynote address by the Honorable Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, who emphasized the crucial role MSMEs play in driving economic growth and job creation. The minister highlighted India’s efforts to promote MSMEs through initiatives such as the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act (MSMED) Act.
One of the primary focuses of the summit was digitalization. In today’s digital age, MSMEs must adapt to new technologies to remain competitive. The summit featured panel discussions and workshops on topics such as digital marketing, e-commerce, and data analytics. Experts from around the world shared best practices and success stories on how MSMEs can leverage digital tools to enhance their operations, reach new customers, and improve supply chain management.
Green innovation was another key theme of the summit. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, sustainability, and environmental degradation, MSMEs are uniquely positioned to drive green innovation. The summit showcased initiatives such as sustainable packaging, eco-friendly manufacturing, and renewable energy solutions. MSMEs were encouraged to adopt green technologies and practices to reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Women-led enterprises were also in the spotlight at the summit. Despite making significant progress, women remain underrepresented in entrepreneurship and business leadership. The summit featured women entrepreneurs and leaders sharing their stories of overcoming challenges and achieving success. The event highlighted the importance of providing women with access to finance, training, and mentorship to empower them to start and grow their own businesses.
Global trade was another critical theme of the summit. MSMEs often face significant barriers to accessing international markets, including limited resources, lack of knowledge, and inadequate infrastructure. The summit explored initiatives such as trade facilitation, e-commerce platforms, and digital trade agreements to help MSMEs access global markets and expand their customer base.
The UN World MSME Day 2025 was a resounding success, with over 300 delegates from around the world attending the summit. The event provided a unique platform for MSMEs, policymakers, and industry experts to come together and share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions. As India takes its rightful place as a global leader in promoting MSMEs, the summit reaffirmed the country’s commitment to empowering MSMEs for a sustainable and digital future.
In conclusion, the UN World MSME Day 2025 was a powerful reminder of the critical role MSMEs play in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation. The summit’s focus on digitalization, green innovation, women-led enterprises, and global trade emphasized the importance of creating a tech-driven, inclusive, and sustainable environment for MSMEs to thrive. As the world continues to evolve, it is essential that we prioritize the growth and development of MSMEs, recognizing their potential to drive positive change and create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
