UNIS/SGSM/1326
22 June 2023
Micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses play a big role in economies, communities, and livelihoods around the world. They reduce unemployment, drive growth and innovation, and foster new markets and industries. Yet, they are particularly vulnerable to rising inflation and supply chain disruptions that have plagued the global economy. Enterprises owned by young people and women are some of the most at risk.
The theme of this year’s Day focuses on women and young people’s entrepreneurship and resilient supply chains. We must create environments that support micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses, and drive financial inclusion, to provide equal access to markets and finance. We need to help strengthen the ability of these businesses to withstand hard times. And we need to work to build sustainable supply chains that benefit workers and respect the environment.
In so doing, we harness the power of micro-, small-, and medium-sized businesses to help to reduce inequality, raise living standards, and protect communities and the environment. We support some of the world’s poorest people, and we help to drive progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Together, let’s recommit to supporting micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises in helping to make the Sustainable Development Goals a reality.
* *** *
"On this International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, I call on countries to heed the lessons of past health emergencies to help prepare for the next." — António Guterres
The new Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations (Vienna), Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman, presented her credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
The new Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations (Vienna), Andrew Williams, presented his credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
The new Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United Nations (Vienna), Andranik Hovhannisyan, presented his credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.