UN Chief Urges Global Investment in MSMEs to Drive Economic Resilience and Innovation

On the occasion of Micro-, Small-, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, the United Nations is calling for renewed global support to unlock the full potential of MSMEs as engines of inclusive economic growth.

Representing more than two-thirds of businesses worldwide and accounting for the majority of employment in many emerging economies, MSMEs are vital to job creation, innovation, and community resilience. Yet, the UN warns that millions of these businesses remain hamstrung by limited access to finance, digital technology, and global markets.

“MSMEs are the lifelines of communities and backbones of economies,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted in a statement. “But many are being left out of policy decisions and economic opportunities, even as they face cascading challenges—ranging from trade disruptions and inflation to the growing pressures of technological change and climate risks.”

The UN emphasized that strengthening MSMEs is critical not only for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals but also for driving economic recovery in the face of global uncertainty. It estimates that some countries lose up to 2% of GDP annually due to the underutilization and under-support of small enterprises.

To address this, the UN is urging governments and financial institutions to:

• Expand affordable credit and financing tools for MSMEs

• Bridge digital infrastructure gaps and upskill workforces

• Foster inclusive trade policies and regulatory environments

The call comes at a time when geopolitical tensions, climate volatility, and rapid technological shifts are reshaping global commerce—raising questions about how economies can become more resilient and inclusive.

With nearly 90% of businesses globally classified as MSMEs, the UN sees their success as key to unlocking sustainable and equitable growth across sectors and regions.

“As we mark MSMEs Day, we must turn commitment into action,” the statement concluded. “Investing in small businesses means investing in stronger economies and better futures for all.”