By combining access to finance, skills development, market opportunities and fair policy frameworks, the UN and partners are helping create environments where micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises across the world can flourish.
Through the UN 2.0 initiative, Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams are investing in new skills, digital capabilities, data and innovation to continue supporting governments' national priorities as they navigate uncertainty and pursue a sustainable future.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Igor Garafulic of Chile as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Brazil, with the host Government’s approval, effective on 1 June 2026.
Thailand is reforming its seafood industry to better protect migrant fishers and processing workers from exploitation, including forced labour and unpaid wages. Through stronger laws, inspections and worker support systems, migrant workers are becoming more informed, organized and able to claim their rights and access justice.
With the High Seas Treaty now in effect, the UN is building on existing support to ensure that high seas and international seabeds are managed for the benefit of all humanity, offsetting the ecological destruction wrought by unsustainable economic interests.
As many micro-entrepreneurs in Uganda lack the required data for financial lenders, the UN is working with local and private sector partners to support them in digitising their operations, building business skills and becoming visible to financial service providers.
A Sri Lankan eyecare entrepreneur learned how to protect her startup's AI system, datasets and brand with support from the World Intellectual Property Organization, positioning her venture to reach even more people with critical health services.
With a package of seeds, training and micro greenhouses, women in Afghanistan are able to feed their families and improve their livelihoods while forming community bonds with support from the UN's Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan.
Through policy development, South-South cooperation and climate finance mobilisation, the UN in China is supporting the country's updated Nationally Determined Contribution for 2035, a new pathway for reducing emissions.
The International Organization for Migration and the Ministry of Communities and Return are implementing the Community Stabilisation Programme to empower communities with key resources that elevate their skills into sustainable livelihoods.
