Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day 2026; June 27th.

FORUM: "Empowering MSMEs through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development." Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day 2026. MSMEs are the backbone of economies worldwide, representing more than 90 per cent of businesses and contributing significantly to employment, livelihoods and economic growth. As the world confronts intersecting economic, social, environmental and technological challenges, empowering MSMEs through innovation and sustainable industrial development is essential to building resilient economies, advancing Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and accelerating progress across the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises are key sources of jobs, income, and local growth—especially for women, young people, and vulnerable groups. Their size and flexibility help build strong, fair, and sustainable communities. However, many of these businesses face serious challenges. They often struggle to get loans, deal with poor infrastructure, and work under tough conditions. Many operate informally, which limits their access to funding, legal rights, and government support. Today’s global challenges—like political tensions, climate change, and digital shifts—make it even harder for them to survive. Supply chain issues, higher costs, and uncertain markets have left many at risk. A huge global funding gap remains, despite clear opportunities to grow. At the same time, rapid advances in digital technologies, artificial intelligence and green innovation offer unprecedented opportunities for MSMEs to increase productivity, improve resilience, access new markets and support sustainable industrial development. Ensuring that MSMEs can benefit from these transformations—and are not left behind by them—requires targeted investments, supportive policies and strengthened partnerships. To help these businesses succeed, better policies and more accessible funding are crucial. Support for skills training, innovation, and fairer rules can also make a big difference. Since many operate outside the formal system, making it easier to register, access benefits, and follow labor laws will help create better jobs and stronger economies. MSMEs are powerful engines of innovation, job creation and sustainable development. By expanding access to technology, digital infrastructure, affordable finance and market opportunities, governments and partners can help MSMEs drive inclusive growth, strengthen resilience and contribute to sustainable industrial development.Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #smallbusinesses, #27June, #MSMEday, #MSMEs.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day 2026; June 27th.

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.

António Guterres.

EVENTS: At UNHQ On Saturday, June 27th, the MSME Day 2026 will be observed under the theme “Human-Centered Entrepreneurship in an AI-Driven Future: Economic Empowerment for the Next Generation of MSMEs.” The day highlights that micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises make up 90% of global businesses, 60--70% of employment, and 50% of GDP. Main event Registration.

On Friday, 26 June 2026 from 10:00 – 18:00 EDT | 16:00 – 23:59 CEST in the ECOSOC Chamber at UN Headquarters, New York, will be held the 9th edition of International Forum on MSME entitled ''Human-Centered Entrepreneurship in an AI-Driven Future: Economic Empowerment for the Next Generation of MSMEs''. Get the Agenda Programme.

On July 6th, 2026 from10:00 - 11:15 EDT in Conference F at the United Nations Secretariat,a High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Side Event entitled ''Empowering Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development'' will be held. The sub-themes:

• MSMEs in a Challenging World
• Innovation, Technology and Sustainable Industrial Development
• Bridging the Digital and Technology Divide
• Access to Affordable Finance and Market Opportunities

 Get the concept Note

In Geneva, At UNIDO HQ 

On Thursday Jun 25th, 2026, from 09:30 to 12:30 from the UNIDO, a hybrid-event via Microsoft Teams | and a in-person event in the Conference room 4, C-Building, 7th floor, at rhe Vienna International Centre (VIC), Wagramer Straße 5, 1220 Vienna, Austrian will be held. The UN MSME Day 2026 Celebration will bring together high-level government officials, senior representatives of international and regional organizations, development finance institutions, private sector leaders, and development partners engaged in MSME development and sustainable industrialization.

The UN MSME Day 2026 Celebration aims to:

1. Recognize and celebrate the critical role of MSMEs;
2. Present UNIDO flagship initiatives, such as the ONE World Sustainability Awards;
3. Facilitate the signing of partnership agreements and the announcement of new projects;
4. Showcase experiences and impact through the voices of UNIDO beneficiaries;
5. Present international best practices in MSME support, including experiences from the China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF) and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC); and
6. Promote high-level dialogue on the role of MSMEs as drivers of sustainable industrial development.

Registration: ONLINE PARTICIPATION

REGISTER HERE TO RECEIVE A MICROSOFT TEAMS LINK
IN-PERSON PARTICIPATION: REGISTER HERE
Related Documents: MSME day celebration

For further information, please contact:
Raymond TAVARES, Chief, MSME Development and Job Creation Unit
Division of MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME)

Giorgi TODUA, Industrial Development Expert
Division of MSME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME)

LIVESTREAM: (Part 1) International Forum on Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.

On June 26th from 13:00 to 23:59pm CEST at the ECOSOC Chamber will be held the International Forum on the occasion of Micro Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSME) Day 2026.The International Forum on Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day 2026 brings together entrepreneurs, policymakers, scholars, business leaders, youth, and international organizations to celebrate the vital role of MSMEs in economic growth, innovation, job creation, and sustainable development. Held in collaboration with Member States, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), and global stakeholders, the Forum will explore the theme, "Human-Centered Entrepreneurship in an AI-Driven Future: Economic Empowerment for the Next Generation of MSMEs," highlighting innovative growth, inclusive prosperity, and youth empowerment while examining how the next generation of MSMEs can thrive and lead in an increasingly dynamic, technology-driven, and interconnected global economy. Watch (Part 1) International Forum on Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

(Part 2) International Forum on Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.

 Watch (Part 2) International Forum on Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises!

World Creativity and Innovation Day 2026; April 21st.

FORUM: "Making Creativity Matter." World Creativity & Innovation Day 2026. It's time to encourage creative multidisciplinary thinking to help us achieve the sustainable future we want. Innovation is essential for harnessing the economic potential of nations. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #21April, #WCID; #WorldCreativityandInnovationDay; #InnovationDay.

EVENTS: Take part in the global celebration of creative expression.

• Online, from 2 March 2026 to 1 March 2027; A Year Living with Your Imagination.
• Online, from 2 to 30 April 2026; Afrogoth – A fashion movement for curious, playful global citizens who love the stories and histories that clothes tell.
• Private, Lansing, Michigan from 15 to 22 April 2026; Accelerating Growth Through AI.
• In Person, from 15 to 21 April 2026; Find the Creativity Virus.
• Online, from 15 to 30 April 2026; Unleashing Your Creativity Package.
• Online, from 15 April 2026 - 21 April 2026; The Invisible Drag Room for Creativity.
• Online, from 15 to 21 April 2026; UJ World Creativity and Innovation Week – Theme: Future Ready – Creative Confidence for One World of Many Ideas.
• Online, from 15 to 21 April 2026 ; Beyond the Brainstorm: World-Class Thinkers on Creativity, Innovation and What Actually Works.
• Online, from 16 to 20 April 2026; WCIW-challenge.

ACTIONS

•  Encourage creativity in homes, schools, and communities
•  Inspire everyone to live more creative lives.

International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Condustive to Terrorism 2026; February 12th.

FORUM:“Preventing Violent Extremism in the Digital Age: Anticipating New and EmergingTechnologies Risks and Opportunities, Safeguarding Human Rights, and EmpoweringFuture Generations” International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Condustive to Terrorism 2026. The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 77/243, designating 12 February as the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive toTerrorism in December 2022. This resolution underscores the importance of raising awareness about the threats linked to violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism and fostering international cooperation in this regard. It reaffirmed that terrorism and violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group, reflecting commitment to human rights and inclusivity. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the primary responsibility of Member States and their national institutions in countering terrorism, in full compliance with their obligations under international human rights law, while acknowledging the critical role of intergovernmental organizations, civil society, academia, religious leaders, and the media in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #12february, #extremists, #violentextremism, #counterterrorism, #PVEDay.

EVENTS: On February 12th, from 10:00am–11:30am, Conference Room 5 (TBC) at the United Nations Headquarters, New York will be heald the observance of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conduciveto Terrorism 2026  which will provide an opportunity for the international community to come together and reaffirm the importance of prevention.Digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, algorithmic systems, evolving social media ecosystems, and emerging online spaces, is reshaping how communities connect, communicate and form identities. While new and emerging technologies hold tremendous promises for advancing human development and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, they also generate significant risks Terrorist actors have quickly recognized the potential of these technologies and increasingly exploit them to recruit and radicalize, spread harmful narratives, and mobilize for violence1 . New forms of technologically facilitated violent extremism, such as leaderless networks, gamified radicalization to violence , and AI-generated disinformation and misinformation, are creating an increasingly complex prevention landscape. In this rapidly evolving context, the special event to mark the 2026 International Day for the Preventionof Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism will seek to discuss and showcase the solutions, partnerships, and programmatic efforts that are being put in place to translate global commitments into concrete prevention outcomes. Against the backdrop of the UN80 initiative, which underscores the imperative for a more integrated, agile and results-oriented United Nations system, the 2026 observance will also serve as a strategic moment in the lead-up to the 9th Review of the United Nations GlobalCounter-Terrorism Strategy, scheduled for mid-2026. Building on the 8 th review of the Strategy, which expressed concern over the potential use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes and reaffirmed the need for Governments and the international community to enhance cooperation to prevent and counter terrorism in a coordinated, inclusive, transparent and human rights-based, gender-responsive manner, this year’s observance offers a timely opportunity to deepen this discussion. With the Strategy approaching its twentieth anniversary and the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism having recently marked its tenth anniversary, the International PVE Day will offer an opportunity for Member States and the United Nations system to assess progress, reaffirm collective commitments, and identify priority actions to strengthen prevention efforts and build resilient, peaceful and cohesive societies for present and future generations. Register to participae!

LIVESTREAM:

Special Commemoration Event for International PVE Day – "Preventing Violent Extremism in the Digital Age: Anticipating New and Emerging Technologies Risks and Opportunities, Safeguarding Human Rights, and Empowering Future Generations"

 

 From Principles to Practice: Special Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism

 

Statement of the United Nations Secretary General on the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism 2026; February 12th.

Today, we reaffirm our shared resolve to prevent violent extremism and shield communities from the scourge of terrorism.

Terrorist groups routinely exploit instability, runaway technologies, and socio-economic fragility to target and intimidate vulnerable groups. Young people, including children, are increasingly susceptible to radicalization through online social media platforms and unregulated gaming environments.

Both the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which is marking its twentieth anniversary this year, and the United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, which is marking its tenth anniversary, remind us that stronger security measures alone are not enough.

We must get at the source of the problem, through renewed efforts to address grievances and the conditions conducive to terrorism by strengthening education systems, expanding civic space, and fostering dialogue and trust among and within communities.

It also means working with all stakeholders, including the private sector and technology companies, to build guardrails that can prevent violent extremism.

All these efforts must be rooted in human rights and the rule of law, so every person has a voice in shaping their society’s future.

Together, let’s build resilient and inclusive communities where violent extremism finds no foothold, and peace prevails for all.

António Guterres.

International Translation Day 2024; September 30th.

FORUM:"Translation, an art worth protecting – improving good translation as an art, possibilities, and pitfalls." International Translation Day 2024. This year's theme will explore the issues of copyright, language rights and the future of the profession in the context of recent technological change. Good translation is an art worth protecting. Poor translation is not. In the light of the recent technological developments, artificial intelligence (generative AI), LLM (Large Language Models), improved neural machine translation, we will discuss if and how we can improve good translation as an art, possibilities, and pitfalls. What are opportunities, what are threats? Its violation of copyrights. Its machine generated literature. Translation is many things: literary, audiovisual, scientific, legal, technical, financial, etc. Its terminology, its culture, its locale, its style, its target groups and intended readers. Its translanguaging and text-generative AI. Can text-generative AI technology support translanguaging practices and multilingual communicative competence, or do we risk the technology creating (even) greater linguistic uniformity?. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Translation, #InternationalTranslationDay; #30September, #languageprofessionals, #translators.

EVENTS: You are invited to participate to the Webinar to mark the International Translation Day 2024 featuring a panel discussion and Q&A hosted the International Federation of Translators (FIT).

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Where: Online – ZOOM - Register Now.
Date: Friday, September 27, 2024.
2 pm to 3:30 pm Paris (UTC+2) - 8am to 9:30am New York - 8pm to 9:30pm Beijing - 10pm to 11:30pm Sydney.

Based on the ITD theme for 2024, this panel discussion will explore the issues of copyright, language rights and the future of the profession in the context of recent technological change.

Panelists

1. Cristina Valentini, Head of Terminology Unit, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Cristina Valentini
2. Tex Texin, Internationalisation Architect Technology Strategy Advisor, Translation Commons. Tex Texin
3. Marie Diur, Head of interpreting, United Nations. Marie Diur
4. Prof. Dr. Ivan Bratko, Computer Scientist and AI specialist, Slovene Academy of Science & Arts, University of Ljubljana. Prof. Dr. Ivan Bratko

World Philosophy Day 2023; November 16th.

FORUM: “Artificial intelligence, a tool for mental health care?.” World Philosophy Day 2023. If AI has great potential for a better understanding and treatment of mental illnesses and is likely to improve access to care, what potential pitfalls and ethical implications does it hold? In other words, can AI be a dynamic factor for the improvement of mental healthcare?; In the context of the Management of Social Transformations (MOST) programme, UNESCO’s work on philosophy aims to promote humanist thinking as a response to social transformations and encourage its use for impact on political dialogue. Philosophy allows to think collectively about the future of humanity - and to design a better world. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WorldPhilosophyDay, #philosophy, #16November, #Philosophicaldebates, #PhilosophyDay.

EVENTS: On November 16th; The UNESCO will organize a panel discussion on “Artificial intelligence, a tool for mental health care?" with the French National Commission for UNESCO and Paris Saclay University, to mark World Philosophy Day 2023 during the 42nd General Conference from 1.30 to 2.45pm at UNESCO Paris, Room XI). The round-table will reflect on potential contributions of AI to a human-centered approach of mental health and examine ethical repercussions and moral concerns.

International Day for Universal Access to Information 2022, September 28th.

 FORUM: "Artificial intelligence, e-governance and access to information." International Day for Universal Access to Information 2022.

The 2022 edition of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) will be an opportunity to discuss e-Governance and Artificial Intelligence with a view to assuring the Right to Access Information. The theme will enable discussions about both the benefits and risks of e-Governance and Artificial Intelligence. Practical tools and best practises will also be discussed, especially in view of the presentation of policy guidelines for public sector information and a declaration that will affirm the right to information against the backdrop of good governance principles.

IDUAI 2022 Panel Discussions

EVENTS: Global Conference on Universal Access to Information 2022.

The global conference opening ceremony taking place on September 28th in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, will launch the 2022 edition of the Day. The opening ceremony will welcome all participants to the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2022. It will recall the crucial importance of implementing access to information legal frameworks, stressing the need to continue to act together towards the establishment of resilient, inclusive knowledge societies. Following the opening ceremony, panel discussions will discuss “Artificial Intelligence, e-Governance and Access to Information”.

AGENDA

• Global Conference on Universal Access to Information 2022: Opening
• High-level roundtable "Harnessing opportunities of digital governance and artificial intelligence for informed and empowered citizens"
• The role of e-Governance and artificial intelligence in promoting inclusive approaches for Access to Information
• Transparency by Design: How to ensure participation and accountability in the digital era
• Adoption of the Declaration
• Measuring Progress on Access to information Laws and its implementation
• Presentation of the updated Policy Guidelines for the Development and Promotion of Governmental Public Domain Information
• Implementation of the UNESCO Open Data guidelines in support of transparency, innovation and e-governance
• Presentation of Online Training Tool on Access to Information
• OER Dynamic Coalition Webinar
• The future of access to information; Ensuring complementarity between the right to information and personal data protectio

Explore the  IUAI 2022 Worlwide celebrations.

Digital technologies influence most aspects of our lives. But not having access to them can mean being left behind, as social inequalities and the digital divide reinforce each other. On #AccessToInfoDay, we need better access to e-governance initiatives to bridge the gap.

UNESCO and Cartooning for Peace commemorate #AccessToInfoDay
Cartooning for your Right to Know!