New Delhi, Jan 27 : The 2024 International Conference of NGOs (ICNGO), held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from December 16 to 22, was a landmark event fostering global collaboration between non-governmental organizations and UNESCO. Centered around the theme “Building Capacity for Action,” the conference emphasized strategies and tools for NGOs to drive innovation, sustainability, and international partnerships.
A key contributor to this global dialogue was the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME), an internationally acclaimed organization committed to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) globally.
Historic Milestone for WASME
A pivotal moment for WASME came during the elections for a liaison role within the NGO-UNESCO framework. Dr. Sanjiv Layek, WASME’s Executive Secretary, secured a decisive victory over the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) representative, winning 66 votes to 34. This achievement underscores WASME’s international recognition for its dedication to advancing MSME development and fostering global partnerships.
WASME also congratulated Ms. Svetlomira Stoyanova, newly elected Chairperson of the ICNGO and the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee, whose leadership is expected to strengthen the collaboration between NGOs and UNESCO, advancing impactful sustainability and capacity-building initiatives.
WASME’s Strategic Contributions
Led by Dr. Layek, WASME’s delegation actively participated in the conference, showcasing its leadership in the MSME sector through:
– MSME Advocacy: Highlighting the pivotal role of MSMEs in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasizing access to finance, innovation, and global collaboration.
– Focus on Sustainability: Presenting frameworks for eco-friendly practices and green innovation tailored to MSMEs.
– Technology Integration: Advocating for digital literacy programs and innovation hubs to support research and development for small enterprises.
Engaging with Global Stakeholders
WASME used its platform to engage with prominent international organizations, including:
1. International Chamber of Commerce (ICC): Discussing support for SMEs in international trade, digitization, and skill development with Catherine Foster, Lead of the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship.
2. Franco-British Chamber of Commerce: Exploring cross-border trade collaborations and digital transformation initiatives with General Manager Catherine Le Yaouanc.
These interactions reflect WASME’s commitment to enhancing the capacity, innovation, and global competitiveness of MSMEs.
Key Outcomes and Recommendations
Aligned with the conference’s theme, “Building Capacity for Action,” WASME put forth several recommendations to empower small enterprises as agents of sustainable development:
– Tailored training programs for MSMEs focusing on digital skills and financial literacy.
– Strengthening mentorship networks to connect MSMEs with industry leaders.
– Promoting inclusivity by addressing gender disparities and supporting marginalized communities.
