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In a significant stride toward bolstering global cooperation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the World Development Corporation (WDC) joined hands with the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME) to host the prestigious Ambassador’s Summit 2024. The high-profile event, held at the Jaypee Vasant Continental Hotel, attracted diplomatic leaders from across the globe, focusing on enhancing corporate governance frameworks and promoting sustainable development for SMEs.
WDC, renowned for its efforts in driving sustainable development, partnered with WASME, an international NGO dedicated to SME growth, to bring together experts from various sectors. The summit served as a platform for addressing critical issues facing SMEs worldwide, offering solutions to foster their development.
The event was attended by an impressive roster of high-ranking diplomats, including H.E. Accouche, High Commissioner of the Seychelles, and H.E. Lumumba Maklele Nyajok, Ambassador from the Embassy of South Sudan. Other notable participants included H.E. Dillah Lucienne, Ambassador of Chad, and H.E. Brig. General Aloys Bizindavyi from Burundi, Dr Ferenc Toth, Chargé d’Affaires from Hungary, and Peter Hobwani, Deputy Head of Mission from Zimbabwe, added to the summit's international stature.
The summit’s agenda centred on corporate governance and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, aligning these with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key discussions revolved around improving governance frameworks for SMEs, integrating ESG strategies into business operations, and aligning growth efforts with UN SDGs. Special focus was placed on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
During the summit, WDC presented comprehensive proposals on enhancing corporate governance, sharing these insights with attending diplomats for adoption within their respective nations. These proposals aim to drive national development through sustainable SME growth.
The summit concluded with a unified call for greater international collaboration to advance SME development. Diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to fostering sustainable investments, better governance, and ESG integration, highlighting the need for enhanced access to finance and technology for SMEs.
WDC and WASME pledged continued support for SMEs through initiatives focused on capacity building, knowledge sharing, and sustainable growth. Together, these organizations are set to further strengthen international partnerships, ensuring long-term economic progress for the SME sector.
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