UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all to do more to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in building resilience to external shocks and pursuing sustainable business models.
“Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises represent around 90 per cent of global businesses, more than 60 percent of employment and half of GDP worldwide. They are the economic lifeblood of communities around the world,” he said.
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In a message marking the Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day that falls on June 27, the UN chief said these enterprises have also been disproportionately impacted by a host of challenges that are disrupting economies -- from climate catastrophe to COVID-19 to the global fallout from the war in Ukraine.
The theme of this year’s Day, “Resilience and Rebuilding”, highlights the vital role of micro-, small and medium sized enterprises for a fair and sustainable recovery.
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Strengthening small businesses helps fight poverty, create jobs and safeguard livelihoods, particularly for the working poor, women and youth, said Guterres.
“On this International Day of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises, let us renew our commitment to leverage their full potential, rescue the Sustainable Development Goals and build a more prosperous and just world for all,” he said.