Generali, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted the regional conference “Protecting the Future: Building MSME Resilience in Asia” in Bangkok on 21 November 2025. The initiative focuses on strengthening the resilience of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Asia against rising risks, emphasizing access to insurance and sustainable business growth. The partnership reflects the organizations’ shared mission to raise awareness, develop practical tools, and empower MSMEs to navigate market shocks and climate-related challenges.
New research unveiled at the event highlights a significant protection gap: although MSMEs represent up to 99.9% of businesses in South and Southeast Asia, 95% are not insured against financial losses from disasters or market shocks. The study provides actionable recommendations for enhancing resilience in key value chains in Thailand, Malaysia, and India, including strategies to support women-led MSMEs.
As part of its practical support, Generali and UNDP launched the “MSME Health & Well-being Toolkit,” a publicly accessible resource designed to help Thai MSMEs understand and manage health risks related to air pollution, which is cited by many MSMEs as a major vulnerability. The initiative also recognized winners of the UNDP-Generali Insurance Innovation Challenge in Thailand, awarding TruNord Technologies and Clean Technology and Innovation US$40,000 each, along with technical assistance to develop locally tailored insurance solutions.
The partnership’s next phase will expand its reach over the coming three years, building on successes in Thailand and Malaysia and targeting new markets in Asia, starting with India. The collaboration leverages Generali’s global insurance expertise and UNDP’s development capabilities to promote inclusive growth, risk awareness, and long-term sustainability for MSMEs.
The event brought together senior representatives from the Italian Embassy, Thailand’s Ministry of Finance, local institutions, SME associations, and leaders from the financial and insurance sectors. Discussions focused on strategies to strengthen MSME resilience against workforce health risks, climate change, natural disasters, and other emerging challenges.
UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Kanni Wignaraja, highlighted the critical need for protection, noting that the 95% MSME protection gap traps entrepreneurs, especially women, in vulnerable micro-businesses and limits growth opportunities. She emphasized that UNDP and Generali’s partnership is pioneering in insuring innovation and empowering entrepreneurs in both stable and crisis contexts.
Generali Asia Regional Officer Roberto Leonardi underscored the importance of collaboration in closing the protection gap for MSMEs across Asia. He noted that by combining their strengths, Generali and UNDP are driving meaningful change, making insurance accessible to businesses that need it most, and fostering sustainable success.
Arsh Kaumi, Country Manager & CEO of Generali Thailand, emphasized that MSMEs are central to economic growth and job creation in Thailand and across Asia. He stated that equipping MSMEs with risk management tools and insurance is essential for continuity, resilience, and sustainable development, reflecting the shared commitment of Generali and UNDP to empower these businesses for long-term growth.
