Welcome!

This course aims to introduce the co-linkages of climate change-induced risks to the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the South Asian region.

• MSMEs are a significant part of the region’s economy and awareness of climate risks affecting the business potential and its operations is crucial for building resiliency.
• While the effects of climate change may seem too far-fetched for an individual MSME, their vulnerability to climate change-induced risks becomes apparent when the interconnectedness of the natural ecosystem is understood.

The course follows a storytelling format, taking you on a journey of learning.

• Who is this course for?
  • Primary audience: Youth entrepreneurs in South Asia: Those wanting to inform themselves about the threats of climate change on their businesses and community. Aiming to disaster-proof their business sustainably. Showing interest in green business practices and resilience as well as renewable energy options.
  • Secondary audience: Micro, Small (and Medium) Enterprises in South Asia - Aiming at disaster-proofing their existing business in the context of climate change. Showing interest in green business practices and resilience as well as renewable energy options.
  • Third audience: SMEs from specific sectors - Aiming at disaster-proofing their existing business in the context of climate change. Showing interest in green business practices and resilience specifically in their sectors well as renewable energy options.
• Countries in focus: SAARC nations (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka). The modules may be applicable to countries around the world with contexts to similar these countries.
• Why is this course needed?
  • UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia aims to support South Asian country offices by providing guidance and capacity development tools on Business and Community Resilience (BCR). This course focuses on developing training materials emphasizing the necessity of business resilience under the threat of climate change with a focus on renewable energy. The course provides insights into how to scale up sustainable and green business resilience. The training documents target youth entrepreneurs (15 – 25 years) as well as local MSMEs in the South Asia region.

This course is co-developed by UNICEF and a private sector partner - Quasar Energy, and funded by USAID BHA.