MSMEs and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

 

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In line with the theme of MSME Day, ‘Small Business, Big Impact’, MSMEs directly or indirectly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals that ITC supports:

• SDG 1: No poverty
  MSMEs help reduce the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty through job creation and economic growth.
• SDG 2: Zero hunger
  MSMEs make up the majority of the world’s food producers and ensure sustainable food production systems.
• SDG 4: Quality education
  MSMEs are key drivers of employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship for youth and adults.
• SDG 5: Gender equality
  MSMEs employ a disproportionate number of women and girls, and play a key role in ensuring women’s full and effective participation in business and trade. Almost 40% of small businesses are owned by women, meaning that MSMEs play a large role in closing the gender gap.
• SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
  With conducive policies in place, MSMEs can help societies achieve higher levels of economic productivity as drivers of diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.
• SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  Drivers of innovation, MSMEs often fill gaps in the marketplace and come up with novel products and services.
• SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
  MSMEs are crucial in increasing incomes for the bottom 40% of the world’s population. MSMEs account for more than 90% of enterprises worldwide and empower communities to lift themselves out of poverty, reducing inequalities.
• SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
  More flexible than large companies, MSMEs are more likely to adopt sustainable business practices.
• SDG 17: Partnership for the goals
  Achieving any of the goals means that the public and private sectors must work in partnership. Key is for the public sector to ensure that the right policies are in place for the private sector to fulfil its potential as a driver of sustainable change.