Missions

WUSME is constantly engaged in carrying out missions aimed at promoting the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide.
The main purpose of these initiatives is to intensify the relations and enter into partnership with Institutions and Organization at the international-regional-national level, dealing with small and medium-sized enterprises and crafts and the culture of entrepreneurship, in order to assist in the implementation of projects, programs and activities that can meet the specific needs and release the potential present on the ground.

Participation of WUSME in COP28 to focus on “MSMEs facing the energy transition: innovative solutions in finance and technology for value chains”
December 2023
WUSME, the World Union of Small and Medium Enterprises took active part in the COP28, held in Dubai (UAE) from 28 November to 12 December, contributing to the proceedings with an official Exhibit and Side Event on the theme MSMEs facing the energy transition.

The WUSME Delegation attending the COP28 was composed by Madam President Mrs. Barbara Terenzi, WUSME Directors Mr. Michel Fossaert, Dr. Juneja and Dr. Lam, WUSME Representative in the UAE and Member of the Permanent Commission on Economic and Financial Issues Mr. Muhumed Hussein Diblawe and Mrs. M.Valeria Pasquini, Representative of the WUSME San Marino HQ Representative.

The Exhibit, which took place from 1 to 3 December in the Blue Zone in collaboration with ANDE, the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs of the Aspen Institute, focused on “MSMEs and Crafts facing the energy transition: technology and financial best practices” and allowed the WUSME Representatives networking with international delegates to collect inputs and proposals for the development of future collaborations in climate action.

The Side Event, which was held on 3 December in the Blue Zone, explored the theme “MSMEs facing the energy transition: innovative solutions in finance and technology for value chains“. Conducted by WUSME in collaboration with the Association Française des Entreprises pour l’Environnement (EpE) and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), the panel discussion gathered Speakers from various regions and fields.

WUSME President Barbara Terenzi and Directors Mr. Fossaert Dr. Juneja and Dr. Lam, who took the floor on behalf of WUSME, highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs, in the economies of both developed and developing countries, as drivers of economic growth and employment, but also technologies and innovations necessary to promote the green transition and sustainable development, also drawing attention to the many challenges MSMEs have to face in this pathway and to the need of identifying adequate solutions, especially in the field of finance and investments.

On invitation of the WUSME, guest Speakers also contributed to the panel, such as Ms. Xiaolei Zhao, Head of the UNIDO ITPO of Shanghai and Dean of ISID Institute of Shanghai Jiao University, Mr. Bertrand Piccard, Chairman at the Solar Impulse Foundation, and Dr. Arthur Minsat, Head of the Africa, Europe and Middle East Unit – Senior Economist at the OECD Development Centre.

Many and diverse the topics addressed during the Side Event.
Panelists highlighted the need to adopt a new narrative for the climate action and to include adaptation & decarbonization in the framework, strategy and action of businesses. An overview on how SMEs are facing climate change, with particular focus on MENA and African countries, was presented. Panelists also stressed the importance of having an innovative & entrepreneurial clean tech ecosystem to empower green transition of SMEs, shares insights on the Technology & Innovation for and by SMEs to face Climate Adaptation and Energy Transition, emphasized the need for big corporate groups to collaborate with and in support of SMEs, as strategic partners of their value chain, in the decarbonization journey through innovation and technology, collaborating alongside public institutions in targeted initiatives and in a mutual partnership logic. Finally, the importance to mobilize climate finance, promote ESG investments and foster digital/green technology development was recalled for more and faster contributions towards achieving the green transformation of the world’s economy.

WUSME’s  SIDE EVENT at COP27 on “Tackling Climate Change: Remedial Measures For SMEs, Sustainable Infrastructure And Land Governance”
November 2022
Successful outcome of the official side event led by WUSME in collaboration with ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India), ACCARD (African Centre for Climate Action and Rural Development Initiative), Initiatives of Change International e EDFI (European Development Finance Institutions) on 16 November 2022, at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, on the theme “Tackling Climate Change: remedial measures for SMEs, sustainable infrastructure and land governance“.
Main topics addressed by the experts and panelists: climate finance, adaptation & mitigation needs, solutions and proposals for the energy transition of SMEs and communities in key sectors such as energy. agriculture, management of water resources and the territory with particular attention to their impact on young people, women and social development. Speakers from WUSME: Ms. Barbara Terenzi, WUSME President and Mr. Michel Fossaert, Ms. Bernadette Ouedraogo WUSME Board Members. On invitation of WUSME Mr. Soren Andreasen, CEO of EDFI.

WUSME delegation to UNIDO HQ in Vienna to discuss how to collaborate in climate, agriculture and sustainable projects in support of Small and Medium Enterprises and Craft
June 2022
A WUSME delegation, composed by President Ms. Barbara Terenzi, General Coordinator Ms. Maria Valeria Pasquini and Prof. Dr. Norbert Knoll von Dornhoff, visited the UNIDO headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The WUSME delegation met Mr. Bernardo Calzadilla-Sarmiento, Managing Director of the Directorate of Digitalization, Technology and Agri-Business together with other Officers of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The meeting focused on opportunities of collaboration between WUSME and UNIDO, as well as issues relating to climate, agriculture and sustainable projects of Small and Medium Enterprises and Crafts.

WUSME’s COP25 SIDE EVENT: “Climate goals, the contribution of SMEs and Nature based solutions”
December 2019
On Thursday, December 6th, 2019, under the COP25, the UN Conference on climate change, WUSME held a Side Event in Madrid, in cooperation with Griffith University-Australia, entitled “Climate Goals: the contribution of SMEs and Nature based solutions” and with the theme “Innovative approaches and paths that will enable SMEs to contribute to climate goals. If Nature Based action is to provide part of the climate solution, it must do it by reducing emission, integrating biodiversity, protecting the ecosystem and supporting the
livelihoods.”
WUSME delegates to COP25 Secretary General Norbert W. Knoll, who acted as Moderator of the Side Event, and WUSME Ambassador Dogad Dogoui addressed the audience and interacted with Speakers from Griffith University Prof. William Moomaw, Emeritus Professor of International Environmental Policy, Center for International Environment and Resource Policy, Co-Director Global
Development and Environment Institute Tufts University; Ms. Virginia Young, National Liaison Officer and Director, International Forests and Climate Programme at the Australian Rainforest Conservation Society.
Main issues covered by the speakers during the meeting and discussed with delegates attending the Side Event, in a lively debate, related to the close link between climate change, nature and economy, the recommendations of WUSME for actions promoting enterprises to operate in favor of climate mitigation; the role of academic research in providing a framework for business activities to benefit to nature and local communities; climate emergency as business opportunity; the need for funds allowing SMEs to improve their technologies, adaptation and resilience to climate change; technology and innovation adopted by SMEs to be climate neutral.

WUSME in consultations with UNIDO to discuss future cooperation to foster the implementation of socially and environmentally responsible business practices
August 2017
In his visit to UNIDO Headquarters at the United Nations Office in Vienna on 2nd and 3rd August 2017, WUSME General Secretary Norbert W. Knoll-Dornhoff discussed with leading UNIDO Officers possibilities of future cooperation, and conveyed to them the new WUSME MAGAZINE.
The UNIDO Officers sincerely appreciated that a report on the 2nd UNIDO FORUM has been published therein.
UNIDO aims to boost the development of a competitive private sector and contribute to poverty reduction by building sustainable linkages between small-size enterprises, their larger scale business partners and support institutions.
UNIDO expressed active interest in working with WUSME on the following issues:
– Promote business to business linkages as well as between firms and institutions;
– Foster the implementation of socially environmentally responsible business practices;
– Develop public private partnerships;
– Formulate and disseminate tools and methodologies to implement projects.
Mr. Mikhail Evstafyev, Head of UNIDO’s Advocacy and Communications Unit recommended that WUSME President Dr. Gian Franco Terenzi shall meet the General Director of UNIDO, H.E. Dr. Li Yong to discuss with him possible Consultative status of WUSME at UNIDO.

WUSME President Gian Franco Terenzi attended the “One Belt One Road Forum for International Cooperation”
May 2017
On invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China and thanks to the deep friendship relationships established over the years, WUSME President Gian Franco Terenzi participated in the “One Belt One Road Forum for International Cooperation”.
An international event held in Beijing on May 14th and 15th, 2017 useful for China to officially present, to the international community, the extraordinary project “Belt & Road” launched for the modern reconstruction of the ancient land and sea routes of the Silk Road to improve connections and cooperation between the countries in Eurasia.Starting from the development of transport and logistics infrastructures, the strategy aims to promote China role in global relations, favoring international investment flows and output markets for the Chinese products. The initiative relating to an organic landline plan (the belt) was announced publicly by Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 2013, and the maritime route in October of the same year, along with the proposal to set up the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The boundaries of the “New Silk Road”, therefore, embrace the whole globe: the right context to explain how China today is ready to rethink and expand the lines of the past with the economic strength of the present. A major venture developing itself, in turn, in a changing context from a global point of view. The projects provide for a significant international investment over the next few years for the construction of ports, highways, high speed railways and electricity networks, especially in developing countries.
The initiative is also good opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises to carry out their internationalization paths and promote their growth and competitiveness in global markets.
“This is a project with a great economic potential – WUSME President Gian Franco Terenzi stressed at the conclusion of the Forum. Each country, regardless of the size, will have a fundamental role in the overall context of the initiative”.

WUSME Institutional meeting in SHANGHAI to discuss the next development of the Association in the country
September 2016
During a mission in China last September, Mr. Gianfranco Terenzi, WUSME’s President, met the Chinese Director of WUSME, Ms. Yang Rongyong, to discuss about the next development of the Association in the country, especially in light of the new organization planned by WUSME at the General Assembly in April 2016 and to ensure the essential conditions for the establishment of a representative office/ WUSME Sectorial Committee in Shanghai.

WUSME in NEW YORK: Secretary General meets the President of the UN-ECOSOC
January 2015
On occasion of an invitation of US Universities to a High Level Meeting of Economists on „The impact of FOREX(currency) volatility on International trading, production and employment” from 26-28. January 2015 in New York, WUSME Secy-General Norbert Knoll Von-Dornhoff met H.E. Ambassador Dr. Martin SAJDIK, President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The Ambassador congratulated WUSME on having been granted Special Consulative Status 2013 and said: „I strongly recommend SMEs Supporting Organizations like WUSME to play an active role at the Conferences and Sessions of the ECOSOC Committees as most Member States of UN ECOSOC are adopting many proposals and recommendations made by the respective Committees. Moreover, the ECOSOC Programs on sustainable and inclusive development of Crafts, Trade and Industry word wide open many opportunities for SMEs to find new business partners and new markets for their products and services”.

WUSME in CHINA: a meeting between WUSME President Terenzi and the President of China Xi Jinping
May 2014
On the occasion of a mission carried out in China in order to participate in the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Association for friendship with Foreign peoples (CPAFFC), at the great Hall of the people to Tian’an Men Square in Beijing, the WUSME President Gian Franco Terenzi met the Chinese President Xi Jinping, who attended the meeting for China’s International friendship. In his speech, Xi Jinping reiterated that the friendship among peoples is an important force for promoting peace and development in the world and that the Chinese people aspire to a peaceful life and to harmonious development together with the peoples of the rest of the world, so as to jointly promote the great cause of peace and development of mankind. According to the Chinese President, we must explore and innovate the popular diplomacy and conduct friendly contacts with foreign countries in various fields, through various channels and on several levels. President Xi Jinping spoke to greet the President personally Terenzi, recalling the friendship between different countries but share important values like friendship and cooperation.

WUSME in CHINA to further strenghen relations with SMEs related Institutions and Oganizations
January 2014
Mr. Gian Franco Terenzi again in China for further strengthening relations with institutions, associations and academic reality dedicated to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, crafts and culture of entrepreneurship.
The economic slowdown that China is experiencing is actually the beginning of a new path that will bring the country to a “new normal” in growth, as recently claimed Chinese President Xi Jinping, who spoke about the economic future of the Dragon, candidate to overcome in the course of this year the volumes of the u.s. economy. The change of pace of the Chinese economy, which is still based on exports and investment and not just on domestic consumption, is also reflected on the reforms to be made in the next ten years who leave see more openings for cooperation between Chinese enterprises and foreign companies.

WUSME in CHINA: official meetings with Chinese authorities to reach new agreements and alliances
January 2013
Thanks to Mrs. Yang Rongyong the Board of Directors and Standing Committee on financial matters of the Union WUSME SME World begins a period of official meetings with the Chinese authorities in order to reach agreements and alliances of mutual benefit for the benefit of SMEs of both countries. WUSME President Gian Franco Terenzi, during his last mission in China, met with Mrs. Yang Rongyong to talk about several issues concerning the development of the Association and cooperation opportunities in China to support SMEs. WUSME is proud to accept as a member of the Governing Council a leading figures in the Chinese and global economic reality. At the invitation of Ms. Yang Rongyong, WUSME President Dott. G.F. Terenzi has had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wang Hi Xiong, President of the Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, Chairman of the Shanghai Federation of Industry Commerce & and Vice President of All China Federation of Industry Commerce &. During the meeting were discussed various topics of common interest, including existing development opportunities within the business and commercial relations and the possibility of some specific collaborations.
On the occasion of this visit to China, President WUSME Gian Franco Terenzi has also visited the city of XIAN to meet local authorities, on invitation and in collaboration with APSME, the Asia Pacific EMS Council. The meeting was an opportunity to delve into the characteristics of the entrepreneurial fabric of the city, which is the biggest industrial center of Northwest China, and existing opportunities for future cooperation, especially with regard to the possible co-organization of an international event on site in order to promote cooperation between SMEs.

WUSME in UGANDA to attend and celebrate the International Day of SMEs in Kampala
March and September 2012
Dual mission in Uganda in the course of 2012 to get to know the reality of Ugandan SMEs and initiate relationships with institutions and associations present in the country.
On the occasion of the first visit in March, WUSME President Gian Franco Terenzi took part in the procedings of the “International Day of SMEs” held in Kampala. In such circumstance, he met H.E. the Vice President of UGANDA Mr. Edward Ssekandi Kiwanuka, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello and the Minister for industry, trade and SMEs Pujitha Anne Kyambadde.
During the same visit, he also met some of the most important Representatives of the major Trade & Business Associations in the country, such as  the President of the National Chamber of Commerce and industry of Uganda Ms. Olive Kigongo Z. and the President of the National Association of small scale industry (USSIA) Mr. Daniel Musiitwa Sssubi to discuss and agree on entering into a cooperation agreement in the near future.
The following visit in September allowed the WUSME delegation to be engaged in a dense programme of meetings and consultations which allowed the Association to strengthen and further consolidate its relations with UGANDA and its action in the African country, especially following the appointment of Daniel Musiitwa Ssubi, President of the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA), as Member of the Board of Directors of the Association by the General Assembly of members, held in July 2012 in San Marino.
The WUSME delegation visiting Kampala could meet again some of the most important Representatives of the Ugandan Government suchas  H.E. the Vice President Edward k. Sekandi, the Minister of State for industry and technology Shinyabulo-James Mutende, the Minister Sam Engola, Minister for Foreign Affairs Asuman Kiyingi, Minister for agriculture Sam Engola Marojejy, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Asuman Kiyingithe Minister for agriculture Zerubabel m. Nyiira, the UGANDA INVESTMENT AUTHORITY, the President of the National Chamber of Commerce and industry of Uganda Olive Kigongo z., representatives of the Federation of Ugandan exporters Associations and other business owners interested in learning about the Association.

WUSME in CROATIA to join the 8th Edition of the European Day of Entrepreneur (EDE) as Partner Organization
October 2011
With the presence of a qualified international delegation, WUSME joined, as main Partner, the 8th Edition of the EDE, the European Day of the Entrepreneur “, an initiative promoted by the European Union to raise awareness on entrepreneurship. This year the event was organized with the high patronage of the President of the Republic of Croatia.
In their speech, the WUSME delegates urged the Governments of all Nations to adopt effective measures to protect the micro, small and medium-sized businesses from the effects of the crisis. Furthermore, WUSME President Gian Franco Terenzi stressed the importance of micro-financing for small businesses, crafts and agri-food sector in less developed economies.
On the sidelines of activities organized for the EDE, WUSME held a panel focusing on “a new financial architecture for the prevention of crises and for a better quality of life: the role of SMEs and the craft sector and good practices from Africa”, in which areas where African countries and other less privileged economies have most need for help were identified.
During the discussion, the Association reiterated its support to SMEs in technology transfer by member countries and organizations to businesses in Africa, cooperation between enterprises, training in the creation and management of small enterprises and crafts, adoption of policies and institutional reforms in support of SMEs.
WUSME’s role is also to assist the Government agencies for development and SMEs support institutions to achieve the Millennium development goals and to facilitate doing business less privileged economies.

WUSME in GABON to attend the national General States of SMEs
January-February 2011
From January 31 to February 4, 2011 WUSME held his first mission to Africa, in the Republic of Gabon, where a delegation arrived to attend the États généraux du PMI (General States of SMEs), upon direct invitation of the Gabonese Presidency and Prime Minister of Gabon. WUSME President Gian Franco Terenzi had the opportunity to explore the reality of this African country and discuss with Institutional Representatives at highest level.
The several Government Authorities met, such as Prime Minister Paul Biyoghe MBA, Minister of small and medium-sized enterprises Jean Felix Moulongui and the Agriculture Ministers Raymond Sima Ndong and Blaise Habitat Ndong, as well as the National Assembly Vice President Daniel Ona Ondo, greatly appreciated the competence of WUSME and explicitly asked to start a collaboration in terms of projects.

Speaking at the SMEs Convention, WUSME President Gian Franco Terenzi was glad to introduce a project conceived by WUSME specifically for Gabon, to be extended to the whole area of Central Africa, taking into account the specific needs and problems of these countries with regard to small businesses and to the fields of main interest to the national economy.

Great attention has been reserved to the intervention of the Secretary-General, Norbert w. Knoll-Dornhoff, on “the WUSME Millennium Regions in Gabon – WMR“, a proposal aimed at creating, in the Millennium Villages, a favourable environment for the development of specific micro-small and medium-sized enterprises and handicrafts.

Following the Mission in Gabon, the Secretary-General prepared a final report containing the recommendations of WUSME on measures and actions, to be undertaken by the public and private institutions, to support the growth of small businesses and the crafts, especially in new strategic areas for the diversification of the domestic economy.