Global Effort Led by 62 Experts from 41 Organisations to Promote Sustainability Among SMEs
Geneva, June 17, 2025 — The United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges (UN SSE) initiative, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), proudly announces the publication of two new tools designed to empower stock exchanges and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt and integrate sustainable business practices:
- Action Plan: How Exchanges Can Promote Sustainable SMEs
- Model Guidance for SMEs to Integrate Sustainable Business Practices
These publications were developed with strategic support from the SSE Advisory Group on Sustainability and SMEs—a global coalition of 62 experts from 41 organisations spanning 34 countries, including regulators, exchanges, investors, development banks, and SME stakeholders.
The SSE’s SME Advisory Group was co-chaired by Mr. Mazen Wathaifi, CEO of Amman Stock Exchange and Mr. Ramon Monzon, CEO of the Philippine Stock Exchange. The UN SSE and IFC extend their sincere thanks to both exchanges for their exceptional leadership in championing this important work.
Why SMEs Matter in the Sustainability Transition
SMEs represent over 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide. Despite their critical role in national and global economies, they often face significant challenges in accessing the tools, guidance, and capital needed to transition toward sustainable practices. These new resources aim to bridge that gap—empowering SMEs to lead in the sustainability space while enabling stock exchanges and market actors to play a more proactive role.
Key Highlights from the Two Documents
1. Action Plan for Exchanges
This guide provides an action plan for how stock exchanges and capital market stakeholders can support SMEs in their sustainability journeys. Key steps exchanges can take include:
- Creating dedicated SME segments focused on sustainability.
- Offering capacity-building programs and sustainability training.
- Facilitating access to finance through ESG-linked products targeting SMEs.
- Promoting standardised disclosure practices tailored to SME needs.
2. Model Guidance for SMEs
This document offers a practical roadmap for SMEs to begin or advance their sustainability efforts, covering:
- Integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into core business practices.
- Establishing materiality assessments to prioritise sustainability efforts.
- Guidance on sustainability reporting tailored to SMEs’ capabilities.
- Emphasis on value chain engagement and long-term risk management.
A Collective Call to Action
“This new UN SSE-IFC guidance comes at a critical time to help SMEs around the world to leverage the opportunities that arise from sustainable practices. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it is imperative that we prioritize sustainability as a foundation for long-term growth and prosperity for all.” Mr. Mazen Wathaifi, CEO of Amman Stock Exchange.
“I believe the model guidance developed by UN SSE is a much-needed complement to support the work of exchanges in bringing SMEs along on the journey to integrate sustainability in their corporate culture. The new SSE-IFC action plan and sustainability guidance for SMEs will serve as a practical manual for exchanges in their endeavor to elevate the level of sustainability awareness and practices of SMEs.” Mr. Ramon Monzon, CEO of the Philippine Stock Exchange.
“The new IFC and UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (UN SSE) action plan for exchanges, along with its model guidance for companies, offer essential tools to drive sustainability integration among SMEs, highlighting our joint commitment to fostering responsible business practices.” Mr. Chuck Canfield, Corporate Governance Manager, Corporate Governance Unit, Institutional Risk and Governance Department, IFC.
“These publications reflect a shared vision: that no enterprise—large or small—should be left behind in the global sustainability transition,” said Dr Anthony Miller, Chief Coordinator of the UN SSE. “With tailored support and collaboration, SMEs can be powerful drivers of sustainable development, innovation, and inclusive growth.”
The SSE and IFC invite exchanges, regulators, investors, and SME networks worldwide to adopt and disseminate these tools to support a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive financial future.
Download the Publications:
Action Plan: How Exchanges Can Promote Sustainable SMEs: https://sseinitiative.org/sseinitiative.org/publication/SME-action-plan
Model Guidance for SMEs to Integrate Sustainable Business Practices: https://sseinitiative.org/sseinitiative.org/publication/model-guidance-SMEs
