The UNESCO General Conference 2025, held in the hi s toric city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, served as a beacon of global unity, cultural diversity, and intellectual collaboration. The event brought together Heads of State, Ministers, Ambassadors, NGO representatives, youth leaders, and academic experts to reaffirm UNESCO's mission of building peace through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. Representing India and the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME), Dr. Sanjiv Layek, an elected member of the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee (2024-26), participated alongside youth representatives Ms. Isha Agarwal and Ms. Sanjini Layek. Their engagement underscored WASME's commitment to promoting sustainable entrepreneurship, environmental responsibility, and educational innovation aligned with UNESCO's global vision.

The Leadership Excellence Summit 2025 was convened at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together a constellation of Ambassadors, High Commissioners, government leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and global thinkers. Organised by the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME) – an organisation with United Nations consultative status and UNESCO NGO Liaison Committee membership – and powered by Heylin Spark, the summit set a new benchmark in redefining leadership for future-ready businesses and MSMEs. The theme, “Future-Ready Businesses and MSMEs: Powered by Exceptional Leadership,” reflected the urgency of equipping enterprises with the leadership vision to thrive in an era defined by AI disruption, sustainability imperatives, and the call for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, championed by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

“MSMEs are not just engines of economic growth—they are instruments of dignity, resilience, and inclusion. WASME remains committed to transforming the MSMEs narrative from ‘support seekers’ to global solution providers.” Dr. Sanjiv Layek’s speech set a powerful tone—urging the world to view MSMEs as climate leaders, digital innovators, and gender inclusion warriors. His leadership continues to elevate WASME as the voice of global MSMEs across UN corridors and international development platforms. World MSMEs Day 2025, curated by WASME and powered by the leadership of Dr. Sanjiv Layek, stands as a landmark model for international cooperation, MSMEs diplomacy, and future-ready entrepreneurship. From tech innovation and sustainability to women’s empowerment and export excellence, this event brought together purpose and performance under one global platform. WASME reaf irmed its place as the UN-aligned global champion of MSMEs , creating pathways for every micro-enterprise to go global, go green, and go digital.