International Women's Day
Transforming MSMEs: Innovation, Trade, and Economic Growth
March 7, 2025 | 10 AM – 12 PM (EST)
March 7, 2025 | 10 AM – 12 PM (EST)
On March 7, 2025, we celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme, “Transforming MSMEs: Innovation, Trade, and Economic Growth.” This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark commitment to gender equality and economic empowerment.
Reflecting on this milestone, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) remain at the heart of economic transformation, driving innovation, job creation, and global growth. This webinar will bring together international experts and leaders to explore strategies for enhancing MSME resilience, fostering innovation, and expanding economic opportunities—particularly in trade, financial access, and digital transformation.
Panelists will discuss how trade, education, and technology can unlock new pathways for economic growth while addressing key challenges that hinder MSME development. The conversation will also highlight the role of women leaders in shaping MSME ecosystems and their contributions to building inclusive and sustainable economies.
Join us for a robust discussion on the future of MSMEs, the role of development agencies in economic progress, and how innovation is shaping a rapidly evolving world.
Welcome Remarks by Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy Dr. Winslow Sargeant
This session will be structured as a roundtable discussion, bringing together experts and leaders to share insights and engage in meaningful dialogue. Some of the key questions that will guide our conversation include:
Session Chair:
Dr. Winslow Sargeant and Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy
This session will also include a Question and Answer Session with the Audience, providing an opportunity for attendees to actively engage with the panelists.
Participants will have the chance to ask questions, share insights, and contribute to the discussion on key issues affecting MSMEs, including innovation, trade, financial access, and policy support. This interactive segment aims to foster meaningful dialogue and generate actionable ideas that can drive real change for MSMEs in today’s evolving economic landscape.
We encourage all attendees to come prepared with questions and perspectives to make this discussion as enriching and impactful as possible.
Session Chair: Linda Acholonu
Expert in International Development, Trade, Climate, and environment
Provost and Executive Vice President,
Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey, US
Provost and Executive Vice President,
Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey, US
Chief, Research & Strategies for Exports at ITC & Lecturer, International Trade, The Fletcher School
ICSB Chair of the Board,
Professor at the Catholic University, S. Korea
Each year, International Women’s Day highlights the incredible contributions of women across various fields, from medicine to entrepreneurship. Explore our past celebrations, key themes, and inspiring stories that continue to drive progress toward gender equality. Join us in reflecting on the milestones we’ve achieved and the work that still lies ahead.
The ICSB World Congress in Sydney, Australia, is a premier global gathering of entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, and educators dedicated to fostering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
This event offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore cutting-edge insights, share innovative practices, and build lasting connections within the global entrepreneurship community.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney, the congress will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions designed to inspire and empower attendees to drive sustainable economic growth and development.
