Secretary-General's message for 2026
Today we celebrate the critical role played by micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises — lifting up communities, sustaining families and driving economic progress. As engines of job-creation, they are critical to every country’s future, including as the best providers of employment pathways for youth.
But these businesses face big challenges — from difficulty accessing funds to scale-up operations, to the transformative effects of artificial intelligence on current business models, to steep tariffs and rising inflation.
Global instability is also taking a toll. The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted trade routes and supply chains, increased energy prices, and sent costs skyrocketing.
Governments and businesses need to work together to build resilience against global shocks, diversify export markets, tap into new sources of inputs and raw materials, and scale-up skills development to support entrepreneurs — especially women and youth.
Financial systems should be strengthened so businesses can access affordable credit and reduce borrowing costs.
And as this year’s theme reminds us, we need to help businesses harness the power of innovation and digital technology to compete and succeed in global markets.
Above all, in a world of increasing uncertainty, it’s time to put peace first, and enable global markets and transportation systems to operate efficiently and safely.
Together, we can ensure that micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises remain engines of prosperity and opportunity for generations to come
Governments and businesses need to work together to build resilience against global shocks, diversify export markets, tap into new sources of inputs and raw materials, and scale-up skills development to support entrepreneurs — especially women and youth.
António Guterres
