United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for greater resilience among microenterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they face growing global challenges, including conflicts, inflation, and technological transformation.
In a message marking Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, observed annually on June 27, Guterres emphasized the strategic role these businesses play in economic growth, job creation, and social development worldwide.
He urged governments and businesses to work together to strengthen resilience against global shocks, diversify export markets, secure supply chains, and expand vocational training opportunities, particularly for women and young entrepreneurs.
According to the UN chief, microenterprises and SMEs are essential drivers of prosperity, providing livelihoods for millions of households while contributing significantly to national economies. He highlighted their crucial role in offering employment opportunities and career pathways for young people.
However, Guterres noted that these businesses face numerous challenges, including limited access to financing, rising borrowing costs, high tariffs, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on existing business models.
To address these challenges, he called for stronger financial systems capable of providing affordable credit and reducing borrowing expenses. He also stressed the importance of helping businesses harness innovation and digital technologies to remain competitive in global markets.
The Secretary-General further pointed to the economic consequences of the conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted trade routes and supply chains, driving up energy prices and increasing production costs worldwide.
To mitigate these effects, Guterres emphasized the need to prioritize peace and ensure the safe and efficient functioning of global markets and transportation systems.
“Together, we can ensure that microenterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises remain engines of prosperity and creators of opportunities for future generations,” he concluded.
