Organized by the European Union-funded FOUNTAIN Project partners, the University of Peradeniya, in collaboration with Chiang Mai University, Thailand, and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania.

On July 10^th, 2024 (Wednesday), from 3:30 PM Sri Lanka | 5:00 PM Thailand | 1:00 PM Lithuania, we successfully hosted the Hybrid Session ‘Empowering MSMEs: Collaborative Strategies for Sustainable Development in Sri Lanka and Thailand’ in commemoration of International Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day 2024.

This event held online via the Zoom platform and physically at gapHQ, 120, 10A Vidya Mawatha, Colombo 00700, provided a platform for vibrant discussions and idea exchanges. Key stakeholders, including policymakers, large companies, and financial institutions, came together to explore how to support MSMEs in Sri Lanka and Thailand to advance the 2030 Agenda and contribute to achieving the SDGs, including poverty eradication and decent work for all.

Session Highlights:

• Discussed how MSMEs, representing over 90% of all businesses globally, can contribute innovative solutions to current challenges.
• Examined the Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) 2024, which revealed that many MSMEs, especially in developing countries, have not fully recovered from the economic shocks.
• Explored why MSMEs are essential for creating local jobs and empowering women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

Speakers:

• Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, opening remarks
• Prof. Sujinda Sriwattana, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, welcome remarks
• Mr. Ashoka Siriwardena, Group Chairman, Wardena Venture Holdings (Private) Limited, Sri Lanka
• Mr. Ekaphol Pongstabhon, Chairman, Lightsource Co., Ltd. Thailand
• Prof. Arturas Kaklauskas, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania – “World Sustainable Development Trends”

The session was a great success, with around 30 participants attending onsite in Sri Lanka and more than 240 virtual participants from all around the world. The participants came from diverse backgrounds, including academics, graduates, and undergraduates, as well as policymakers and government officials, private sector representatives, MSME owners and entrepreneurs, industry representatives, financial institutions, policy institutions, investors, NGOs from Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Lithuania, international development agencies, and economic agencies. This diverse group contributed to a rich and engaging discussion, reflecting the broad interest and commitment to the session’s topics.

The session Was hosted by Ms. Sadeesha Senanayake, Research Assistant, University of Peradeniya, and the closing remarks were given by Prof. Chaminda Bandara, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Join us for more successful events, webinars, and workshops in the future.