WASME and the United Nations: A Strategic Global Partnership for MSME Development

The World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME) holds a unique and distinguished position as the only international NGO with consultative and observer status across a wide spectrum of United Nations agencies and global intergovernmental organizations. For over four decades, WASME has served as a vital bridge between the world's MSMEs and the international policy-making ecosystem, ensuring that the voices, needs and aspirations of small and medium enterprises are actively represented at the highest global platforms.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals that were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The goals are designed to be a blueprint for a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030. Achieving the SDGs will require a global partnership between individuals, multinationals and small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

While the SDGs are a global effort, MSMEs may face more challenges when it comes to adapting to sustainable development. This is due to their limited resources and capacity, as well as their typically higher reliance on traditional, unsustainable business models. However, there are also many opportunities for MSMEs to contribute to the SDGs, such as through energy efficiency improvements, the development of sustainable products and services and the provision of employment and training opportunities in local communities.

WASME with UN

WASME's UN & Global Affiliations

UN Consultative/Observer Status

  • United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
  • United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
  • International Trade Centre (ITC)
  • World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
  • United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
  • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
  • United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)
  • United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
  • International Labour Organization (ILO)

Key International Partnerships

  • World Customs Organization (WCO)
  • Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
  • International Council for Small Business (ICSB)
  • Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
  • Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT)

How WASME Drives Global MSME Impact

📢 Policy Advocacy

Advocating for MSME-friendly global policies

🌍 Multilateral Dialogues

Contributing to discussions on inclusive trade, innovation and sustainable development and employment

📚 Capacity Building

Facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity-building programs across borders

💡 Innovation & SDGs

Promoting IP awareness, technology transfer and SDG alignment

Advancing the UN 2030 Agenda

Through its enduring collaboration with the United Nations and international organizations, WASME has become a recognized global force in shaping the MSME agenda, promoting equitable growth and building inclusive economies. Its work continues to support the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in advancing SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) | SDG 9 (Industry & Innovation) | SDG 17 (Global Partnerships)