The United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund provides USD $1,663,003 to strengthen national capacities for enhancing MSME resilience and to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in developing countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative

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 2021 by UNPDF, USD $1,663,003 was allocated from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund to builds on the achievements of a previous MSME project funded by the 2030 Agenda Sub-Fund from 2017 to 2021 (Record ID#108658 ).

The goal is to enhance the capacity of policymakers to create and implement effective policies benefiting MSME entrepreneurs.

In addition, the project seeks to raise awareness among MSME entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, about access to financial resources, high-value market opportunities and innovative techniques for improved economic and environmental sustainability.

To achieve these goals, DESA plans to develop guidelines, toolkits and knowledge products and facilitate the sharing of experience and good practices through capacity building workshops, policy dialogues, technical training, and study tours.

The Project will involve various stakeholders, including government authorities, development partners, the private sector, civil society, and research institutions.

Ultimately, the project aims to strengthen MSME resilience, thus expanding their contribution to shared prosperity, sustainable and inclusive economic growth, sustainable production and consumption, reduced inequality, and enhanced cooperation among countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Recipient countries are Cambodia, Ethiopia, Gambia, Kenya, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. The implementing entity is UNDESA.

Collaborating partners are ILO, ITC, UNCTAD, UNECA, UNESCAP, UNIDO and UNOSSC, Resident Coordinators’ Offices and UN Country Teams in pilot countries. The project's scheduled duration is January 2022 to December 2024.