United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund provides USD $1.65 million to developing countries to support the growth of Micro-, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

Project narrative

In 2016, the Chinese Government pledged to contribute $200 million to the United Nations over a ten year period. The United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF) was established to channel these earmarked funds to specific projects in coordination with the UN. The UNPDF is divided into two sub-funds: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund and The Secretary-General's Peace and Security Sub-Fund. Approved in 2016 and implemented between May 2017 to December 2021, USD $1,652,296 was allocated from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund to support the growth of Micro-, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries and countries in economic transition and help facilitate the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project aimed to strengthen knowledge, policy development, and national capacities of the countries involved to improve their policies and programs supporting the growth of local businesses. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) helped implement this project. The project included the countries of Brazil, Cambodia, Fiji, Gambia, Kenya, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Partners involved included the UNDP, UNIDO, UNCTAD, ADB, AfDB, WB and Global Compact, ICC, WBCSD, Ford Foundation, UN foundation, Gates Foundation and specialized governmental agencies. The project organized 20 workshops, including 9 international and 11 national workshops with in-person, hybrid and virtual formats, as well as 3 study tours. Beneficiaries of the project amount to 12,000 participants globally.