MSMEs crucial to end extreme poverty by 2030 – UN
The United Nations has said that the Micro, Small and Medium-size Enterprises (MSMEs) would be crucial to the actualization of its Sustainable Development Goals of ending poverty by year 2030.
The UN stated this on Tuesday while marking the World MSMEs Day; adding that nine out of every ten businesses are MSMEs.
In a statement made available to the Daily Times by the Attaché de Presse, Jarle Hetland noted that everyday, hard-working entrepreneurs from Manila to Abidjan to Medellin are working hard to turn their ideas into viable businesses.
“Today is an occasion to recognize the impact of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises across the world – and to celebrate the men and women behind these businesses.
There is a good reason why the United Nations decided to designate 27 June as world MSME Day: nine out of every ten businesses are MSMEs.
From the coffee you drink in the morning, to the bed you lie down in at night, a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise was almost certainly involved in its production. Even your phone likely contains technology or components delivered by an MSME. And let’s not forget: some of the biggest companies – like Alibaba, eBay and Facebook – started small;” the UN stated.
MSMEs, whether registered or informal, the UN said, “are central to our livelihoods. They are responsible for more than 70% of all jobs. They help families put food on the table and send their kids to school. They develop innovative solutions to address global challenges such as health and climate change.”
“MSMEs will be crucial to end extreme poverty by 2030 as agreed to by Members of the United Nations family under the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The UN therefore, appealed to people both in the public and private sectors to support MSMEs to generate decent jobs, innovate, and promote growth by making it easier to do business, at home and across borders.
It said that the International Trade Centre (ITC) was pleased to lead the UN family as they celebrate MSMEs; saying, “To all MSMEs around the world and the people behind you: congratulations and thank you!”
“You may be small, but you have a big impact. Count on the United Nations to help make that impact even bigger,” the statement added.
ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Global Goals for Sustainable Development.
