Participation of WUSME in COP29

WUSME, the World Union of Small and Medium Enterprises took part in the COP29, held in Baku (Azerbaijan) from 11 to 22 November, contributing to the proceedings of the Conference with an official SIDE EVENT and EXHIBIT on MSMEs engagement in climate action.

The WUSME Delegates and Speakers at COP29 were Madam President Mrs. Barbara Terenzi, WUSME Director Ms. Rongyong Yang, WUSME Senator Ms. Liliane Massala, WUSME Ambassador in Guinea (Conakry) and San Marino HQ Representative Ms. M.Valeria Pasquini.

The SIDE EVENT, which was held on November 20 in the Blue Zone, delved into the theme “SMEs & Industry: Net Zero transition, imperatives for Global South, new capacities and methodologies“. Conducted by WUSME in collaboration with the German Emissions Trading Association (BVEK) and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), the panel gathered Speakers from various regions and fields and discussed the situation of SMEs regarding their contributions to reducing GHG emissions as well as how to make their value chains more resilient to climate and external shocks – including technology, AI and ESG. In particular, in the Global South SMEs face a lot of challenges when developing and implementing climate action measures. Against this background the event presented and discussed capacity constraints and capacity building measures, new initiatives and methodologies as well as look into concrete cases and experiences in different parts of the world, focussing on transportation, energy, agrifood & industry.

The EXHIBIT, which took place from November  18 to 21 in the Blue Zone in collaboration with the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), focused on “SMEs and Crafts in value chains facing global challenges: technology, AI and ESG can provide answers. SMEs must adopt resilient and innovative strategies. Guidelines to be established, providing the right tools to ensure access to finance and technology and empower SMEs achieve the green transition.” The Exhibit allowed WUSME Representatives to actively network with international delegates, share insights and collect inputs for the development of future collaborations in climate action.

On the same day, WUSME Delegates took active part in a Special Event held during the Private Sector Day of the 6th Capacity-building Hub, discussing the initial phase of a new initiative, the ‘SME Climate Action Booster’ (SME CAB). The panel reflected on the gaps and needs of SMEs with a view to ramp and speed up their climate action efforts, allowed for networking opportunities and support and initiate interactions among interested stakeholders.

PHOTO: Panelists of the SIDE EVENT present onsite
from left to right Mr. Mr. Manish Sonkar-CEO of NeoEnrg, Mr. Cheick Keita – WUSME Ambassador in Guinea (Conakry), Ms. Barbara Terenzi – WUSME President, Mr. Alejandro Kilpatrick – Manager Capacity-building subdivision/ Means of Implementation Division (UNFCCC secretariat), Mr. Robert Tippmann – President of BVEK.