The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) signed a new cooperation agreement yesterday in Bangkok, renewing their long-standing partnership to advance digital transformation, e-commerce and entrepreneurship among micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Arab region.

The agreement builds on several years of collaboration to develop digital skills, broaden market access and strengthen the capacities of entrepreneurs and the institutions that support them. Under the renewed partnership, ESCWA and AGFUND will continue helping small businesses harness technology, reach new markets and adapt to an increasingly digital economy.

By bringing together the technical expertise of ESCWA and the development and microfinance networks of AGFUND, the partnership aims to connect more entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks and opportunities they need to grow their businesses, strengthen resilience and contribute to inclusive economic growth.

“Our collaboration with AGFUND has grown into a strong and impactful partnership that empowers entrepreneurs, advances innovation and expands economic opportunities across the Arab region,” said Rania Al-Mashat, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCWA, at the signing ceremony. “By combining our expertise and resources, we are helping MSMEs harness digital technologies to grow, create jobs and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable development,” she added

Al-Mashat underscored the importance of this agreement for the new opportunities it will create for young people across the Arab region in learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship, empowering them to leverage digital technologies to transform their ideas into sustainable ventures that generate employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth.

“Investing in people means enabling them to turn their skills and ambitions into sustainable livelihoods,” His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President of AGFUND said. “Through our renewed partnership with ESCWA, we seek to help entrepreneurs translate digital skills into access to markets, stronger businesses and opportunities to create jobs, particularly for women and young people. The measure of our success will be the difference this partnership makes in people’s lives and their ability to shape their own futures.”

The agreement was signed in Bangkok at a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

Through their renewed cooperation, ESCWA and AGFUND seek to strengthen the contribution of MSMEs to sustainable development across the Arab region, with a focus on digital skills, entrepreneurship and market access.

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About ESCWA:

One of five United Nations regional commissions, ESCWA supports inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in Arab States, and works on enhancing regional integration.

About AGFUND:

The Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) supports human development through partnerships and initiatives that promote financial inclusion, strengthen capacities and expand economic opportunities.