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Announcement · UN MSMEs Day 2026

Registration Now Open for the Human-Centered Entrepreneurship Forum on MSMEs Day 2026

The International Council for Small Business invites its global community to take part in the 2026 Forum at United Nations Headquarters, with two ways to participate: as an attendee, or as a presenter in the Youth Showcase.

Date
Friday, 26 June 2026
Venue
United Nations Headquarters, New York City
Theme
The Future Generation of MSMEs
Convener
International Council for Small Business (ICSB)

On Friday, 26 June 2026, ICSB will convene the Human-Centered Entrepreneurship Forum on Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day (MSMEs) 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The Forum is the centerpiece of the annual UN observance established by General Assembly Resolution A/RES/71/279 in 2017, which ICSB co-founded with the Republic of Argentina.

The 2026 Forum is organized under the theme The Future Generation of MSMEs, placing Human-Centered Entrepreneurship at the center of the global conversation on the role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in an AI-driven economy.

Why this Forum, why now

MSMEs account for more than ninety percent of the world's businesses and carry the majority of global employment. As artificial intelligence reshapes how MSMEs operate, finance themselves, and compete, the question that will define the next decade is not whether technology arrives, but whom it serves.

Human-Centered Entrepreneurship answers that question. Grounded in empathy, enablement, and empowerment, it is the framework through which the future generation of MSMEs, including women CEOs, youth innovators, and emerging entrepreneurs across all regions, can lead the AI-driven economy ahead rather than be displaced by it.

Two ways to take part

Track One

Attend the Forum

For entrepreneurs, women CEOs, MSME leaders, policy actors, UN partners, academics, and ICSB members worldwide. A full day of convening at the heart of the multilateral system.

Complete Registration & Security Form →
Track Two

Youth Showcase

For young entrepreneurs, student innovators, and youth-led ventures invited to take the United Nations stage. Selected showcases will present during the Forum's afternoon block.

Submit Youth Application →
Please note. Attendance at United Nations Headquarters requires advance security clearance. All registrants complete the Registration and Security Form, which includes the credential information required by the UN Department of Safety and Security for grounds access. Spaces are limited.

About the convener

The International Council for Small Business is the oldest international membership organization dedicated to the advancement of small business and entrepreneurship. ICSB co-founded UN MSMEs Day with the Republic of Argentina in 2017 through United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/71/279, and convenes the global observance each year in partnership with UN Member States, agencies, and the international research and entrepreneurship community. ICSB operates across 130 countries through its national chapters, regional networks, and university-based research community advancing Human-Centered Entrepreneurship.

Reserve your place at the 2026 Forum

Registration is now open for global members, partners, and the future generation of MSME leaders. Submit the Registration and Security Form to begin the credentialing process.

Registration & Security Form Youth Showcase Application

Posted by ICSB · Questions about registration or the Youth Showcase application can be directed to the ICSB Secretariat at contact@icsb.org.