WUSME’S participation in COP28

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 of 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.

Caption photo at the conclusion of the Side Event:
From left to right: Mr. Muhumed Hussein Diblawe, WUSME Representative in the UAE and Member of the Permanent Commission on Economic and Financial Issues; Mr. Michel Fossaert, Member of the Board of WUSME and Moderator; Dr. Jauad El Kharraz, Executive Director of the RCREEE; Ms. Xiaolei Zhao, Head of UNIDO ITPO Shanghai; Ms. Barbara Terenzi, President of WUSME; Mr. Ken Giultaux, Climate Change Manager at the EpE; Ms. Julia Maris, VP CSR of Engie; Mr. Pierre-Yves Pouliquen, Director at Sustainable Development of Veolia.

photo: WUSME delegation at the Exhibit of WUSME at COP28