About this Discussion

Green growth provides a means by which economic, environmental and social goals can be simultaneously achieved. It presents an opportunity to make existing industries more sustainable while at the same time encouraging new industries and a diversified economy. 

Achieving a green and inclusive economy will be critical for tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. SMEs will play an indispensable role in achieving this economic transformation due to the large share of global business they represent. Accounting for about 99% of enterprises in OECD countries, SMEs also employ a significant share of people, especially in low-income countries, where they contribute to, on average, 78% of employment compared to 65% in high-income countries.  

Due to their large numbers, the very diverse nature of their businesses and their typically small number of employees, the barriers to greening the operations of SMEs are generally more complicated to overcome than those for larger companies.

Industry and Entrepreneurship

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United Nations Industrial Development Organization(UNIDO)

What does the future of industrial policy hold? The recovery from the COVID-19 crisis will inevitably need to involve the active use of industrial policies. The precise policy instruments will have to be adapted to the new reality. However, while future industrial policies have to adapt… Read More

UN Global Compact Network UK

Though COP26 has been delayed, climate action cannot be put on hold. For this reason, the UN Global Compact Network UK is organising a two-day virtual event to ensure the climate conversation is advanced and action delivered while COVID-19 challenges are navigated. Read More

Closing:
United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP), Green Growth Knowledge Partnership(GGKP)

UNEP invites universities, research centres, think-tanks, business associations, National Cleaner Production Centers, NGOs and other civil society organizations to submit their proposals to provide technical assistance for the GO4SDGs “SME Assessment” work stream in Latin America and the Caribbean… Read More

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit(GIZ) GmbH, International Labour Organization(ILO)

COVID-19 has disrupted supply chains globally, resulting in reduced orders and incomes, factory closures and job losses. The implications for developing countries are enormous, potentially leading to strikes and social unrest. This webinar sheds light on the pandemic’s impact on the textile and… Read More

Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator

The Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator (UGEFA) would like to invite you to join us (online) for a UGEFA Green Finance Dialogue session during the Sankalp Global Summit 2020. This collaborative session will join financers and SMEs to explore: Interested in exploring new avenues for… Read More

United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP), Green Growth Knowledge Partnership(GGKP)

UNEP invites universities, research centres, think-tanks, business associations, National Cleaner Production Centers, NGOs and other civil society organizations to submit their proposals to provide technical assistance for the GO4SDGs “SME Assessment” work stream in Latin America and the Caribbean. Proposals must be submitted in PDF format by 16 November 2020, 18.00 (EST). Read More

Many companies are committing to net-zero emissions by 2050, but are these commitments all in line with limiting warming to 1.5°C? The Science Based Targets initiative has launched a process to establish a standard for net-zero SBTs.

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https://sciencebasedtargets.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/foundations-for-net-zero-full-paper.pdf

How to unlock the potential of women-led SMEs for banks?

New IFC study examines lending models to give banks a women-focused market and emphasizes the need of non-financial services. Providing nonfinancial services (NFS) alongside finance can help financial institutions to tap into the enormous potential of women-led enterprises. This study examines the benefits to banks of integrating NFS into lending. This analysis of five SME banking models, in addition to previously published case studies and other resources, found that well-integrated NFS offers for WSMEs yield positive returns on investment (ROI) within one to two years.

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https://greenfinanceplatform.org/research/non-financial-services-key-unlocking-growth-potential-wome...

There is a huge challenge ahead of us to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 in order to keep global warming to 1.5°C. The good news is that companies are coming together all around the world to try tackle this challenge with a unified front. A great example of this type of collaboration is the UN Climate Change Fashion Charter. And they've just launched the first Playbook for Climate Action, developed by the Fashion Industry Charter Signatories for the brands, suppliers and retailers in the fashion industry.

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https://www.greenindustryplatform.org/guidance/fashion-industry-charter-climate-action-playbook-clim...