Today, more than ever, companies are looking at their core business, as well as philanthropy, advocacy, and partnerships, to support society, improve human life and also contribute to profitability. Sustainable development cannot be achieved by the United Nations alone, as shown in the UN Secretary-General’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Progress Report and the Global Sustainable Development Report. It is obvious, we will struggle to achieve the 2030 Agenda unless we join forces with every stakeholder and scale up our efforts toward the implementation of the SDGs.

ICSB was the lead organization to propose and ask the support and leadership of the Republic of Argentina to help move forward a resolution to the United Nations (UN) to create an International Day dedicated to Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). According to the data provided by the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), formal and informal MSMEs make up over 90% of all firms and account on average for 60-70% of total employment and 50% of GDP. MSMEs are the first responders to societal needs.

The UN General Assembly, recognizing the importance of these enterprises, decided to declare June 27 the Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized enterprises Day to raise public awareness of their many contributions to sustainable development. Each June 27, the world will celebrate Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day. These enterprises, which generally employ fewer than 250 persons, are the backbones of most economies worldwide and play a key role in developing countries. These types of enterprises are responsible for significant employment and income generation opportunities across the world and have been identified as a major driver of poverty alleviation and development. (Read more…)

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