News & Events

Online training workshop

Women entrepreneurship in natural resource management:Challenges and opportunities for the micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector in the post-COVID-19 socio-economic recovery

17 December 2020: 13.30-15.00 CET (Geneva time)

Micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) fill crucial roles in economies all over the world. MSMEs can often innovate, pivot, and generally navigate the global economic waters more quickly than their large counterparts. Globally, MSMEs account for 90% of business enterprises; micro- and small enterprises together account for a staggering 70% of employment worldwide. The MSME sector generates approximately 40% of GDP in developing economies; in developed economies, 7 out of 10 jobs are created by MSMEs.

While opportunities exist for women entrepreneurs in all sectors of the economy, there are a few that can be considered as particularly well suited for MSMEs. These sectors include services, the circular economy, information technology, and natural resources management. Each of them has at least one of the following characteristics: relatively low capital requirements, reliance on technological advancements such as machine learning and big data, and the need to adapt to quickly changing circumstances.

The COVID-19 pandemic simultaneously presents unprecedented challenges and unique opportunities to women-led MSMEs. MSMEs in general, and women-led MSMEs in particular, have been especially vulnerable to the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. However, the crisis has also caused a dramatic shift in the business-as-usual approach, and paved the way for innovations, green growth, and sustainable development. Women-led MSMEs may be best equipped to take advantage of these opportunities.

This training workshop will focus on the challenges and opportunities in the sustainable natural resources management sector, which is uniquely suited for MSMEs and presents appealing, diverse, and long-term impactful opportunities for women.

Click here to register