“MSMEs are not just engines of economic growth—they are instruments of dignity, resilience, and inclusion. WASME remains committed to transforming the MSME narrative from ‘support seekers’ to global solution providers.” Dr. Sanjiv Layek’s speech set a powerful tone—urging the world to view MSMEs as climate leaders, digital innovators, and gender inclusion warriors. His leadership continues to elevate WASME as the voice of global MSMEs across UN corridors and international development platforms. World MSME Day 2025, curated by WASME and powered by the leadership of Dr. Sanjiv Layek, stands as a landmark model for international cooperation, MSME diplomacy, and future-ready entrepreneurship. From tech innovation and sustainability to women’s empowerment and export excellence, this event brought together purpose and performance under one global platform. WASME reaf irmed its place as the UN-aligned global champion of MSMEs, creating pathways for every micro-enterprise to go global, go green, and go digital.

The interaction was graced by His Excellency Mr. Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador to India, who delivered the keynote address, and Dr. Sandeep Marwah, who joined as Special Guest in his role as WASME International Patron for Empowering SMEs and President, International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI). Their presence elevated the dialogue, bringing diplomatic depth and creative-sector vision to the session. The event commenced with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing enlightenment and collaborative beginnings, followed by a warm welcome address by Dr. Sanjiv Layek, Executive Secretary, WASME.He highlighted the critical role that MSMEs play in global trade ecosystems and emphasized WASME's commitment to creating bridges of opportunity between developing and developed markets through public-private cooperation.

In an era where women's economic empowerment is increasingly recognized as a catalyst for sustainable development, the collaboration between the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME), The Thursday Thing, and U2CA Consultants stands out as a dynamic model. Their joint initiative, "The Thursday Thing: The Women's Chapter", was not merely a networking session but a carefully curated empowerment platform designed to build capacity, expand networks, and ignite ambition among women entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants, and working professionals. The event was graced by Ms. Akhila Nath, a well-known igure in the Malayalam ilm industry, whose presence served as an inspiration and symbol of resilience, self-expression, and success beyond traditional pathways.