Kyiv, 18 December 2023 – In an extraordinary display of solidarity and forward-thinking, the 6th National SME Forum, held in Kyiv, has successfully concluded, marking a milestone in Ukraine's journey towards sustainable economic development. The forum, organized jointly by UNDP and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine, brought together an impressive assembly of over 450 delegates, encompassing a broad spectrum of business leaders and government officials. 

Amid the backdrop of ongoing challenges, the forum's agenda, which received substantial backing from the Government of Switzerland, centered on the crucial themes of resilience and sustainable development. It provided an invaluable platform for dialogue and exchange of innovative strategies and solutions to navigate the complexities of the current economic landscape. 

UNDP Resident Representative Jaco Cilliers said the concept of synergy was central to the discussions – leveraging participants' collective experiences and insights to identify robust funding avenues and collaborative opportunities between the private sector, government bodies, and international partners. "In these challenging times, collaboration becomes even more critical,” he said. “The National SME Forum is a shining example of our joint commitment to surmount obstacles and drive sustainable growth." 

Andreas Huber, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine, underscored Switzerland's commitment to supporting Ukraine's economic resilience: "The 6th National SME Forum exemplifies the strength that arises from such partnerships, showcasing the innovative spirit and determination of the Ukrainian business community."   

Business support infrastructure development emerged as a critical area of discussion at the forum, highlighting the importance of its enhancing to ensure efficient business operations and growth, focusing on streamlined logistics and a supportive business ecosystem. Investment was another key theme, with an emphasis on understanding and maximizing returns in the SME sector. Participants delved into investment strategies, risk management, and cultivating an investor-friendly climate to attract essential capital for SME growth. 

Background: The 6th National SME Forum served as a conduit for knowledge sharing and collaboration while reinforcing the collective commitment to nurturing and strengthening Ukraine's SME sector. It aligns with the ongoing collaboration outlined in the memorandum between the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the UNDP, as part of the “Strengthening MSME Business Membership Organisations in Ukraine” project. This initiative, executed by UNDP in Ukraine in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and supported by Switzerland, marks a significant stride in fortifying the backbone of Ukraine's economy – its SMEs. 

Media enquiries:  

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org