The Role of MSMEs in Poverty Reduction and Peacebuilding at the Local Level in Syria

12:00-14:20 (lunch 12:00 – 13:00), 13 June 2023, Hybrid

In person: Konrad Adenauer meeting room at Sofitel Brussels Europe, Pl. Jourdan 1, 1040, Brussels

 Online: Register Here

In Syria, private sector can be one of the most important actors and partners for early recovery and building resilience. In particular, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which constitute about 95% of the total enterprises in Syria and have been playing a role in providing jobs and poverty reduction despite all the challenges. They have been struggling to survive under the multiple crises of the conflict, Lebanese financial crisis, Covid-19, earthquakes and water crisis, all added to multiple issues with the business environment that pre-date the conflict. But with the right support and under an improved business environment MSMEs can potentially play a key role in poverty reduction and peacebuilding at the local level. They can connect people, address grievances and expand space for civil society, while providing a solution for unemployment and vulnerabilities, especially among women and youth.

The London School of Economics and Political Science and UNDP Syria carry out an evidence-based assessment on the role of MSMEs in poverty reduction and peacebuilding at the local level. Adopting a participatory research approach by involving local businesspersons from various backgrounds and areas of control, the assessment identifies mechanisms to empower MSMEs to play a role in recovery and local peacebuilding. The assessment also provides practical recommendations to activate these mechanisms via a holistic approach that involves the business community, civil society, local authorities and international organizations.

The event will be an opportunity to discuss the key findings of the assessment; and how MSMEs can be supported as a key catalyst for poverty reduction and peacebuilding, applying innovative and implementable solutions.

This side event is co-organized with the Embassy of Japan in Syria and Embassy of Italy in Syria. UNDP Syria has co-convened with the Embassy of Japan in Syria a series of private sector consultations, bringing together Syrian businesspersons and experts based inside and outside the country to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the private sector; and to develop innovative solutions to expand inclusive economic opportunities for Syria. The side event will also highlight key recommendations from the consultation series.

Speakers:

• MIYAKE Hirofumi, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan in Syria
• Stefano Ravagnan, Italian Special Envoy for Syria
• Rim Turkmani, Zaki Mehchy, and Mazen Gharibah, London School of Economics and Political Science
• Sudipto Mukerjee, Resident Representative, UNDP Syria
• Minako Manome, Deputy Resident Representative a.i., UNDP Syria
• Tammam Yahya, Programme Specialist, Economic Development and Livelihoods, UNDP Syria

Facilitator:

• Sahba Sobhani, Director, Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development, Sustainable Finance Sector Hub, UNDP

Organizers:

• UNDP Syria
• London School of Economics and Political Science

Co-organizers:

• Embassy of Japan in Syria
• Embassy of Italy in Syria

Invitees:

• Bilateral and multilateral partners
• International organizations
• Private sector representatives
• Academia representatives
• Civil society representatives

Agenda:

Simultaneous interpretation will be provided.