Generali and UNDP Are Driving MSME Resilience Across Asia

Generali and UNDP Are Driving MSME Resilience Across Asia

Bangkok, 21 November 2025 – Generali, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), today hosted the regional conference “Protecting the Future: Building MSME Resilience in Asia” to strengthen the resilience of Asia’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) against rising risks.

The UNDP-Generali partnership aims to close the protection gap for vulnerable communities worldwide by expanding access to insurance. The initiative reflects both organizations’ broader mission to raise awareness, develop tools and empower MSMEs to drive sustainable growth.

The event unveiled new UNDP–Generali research, which show that while MSMEs account for up to 99.9% of all businesses in South and Southeast Asia, 95% of MSMEs are not financially protected by insurance when market shocks occur or disasters strike. The research outlines a set of solutions to building the resilience of critical value chains in Thailand, Malaysia and India, including how to develop insurance solutions that support women-led MSMEs.

Generali and UNDP launched the “MSME Health & Well-being Toolkit” – a publicly accessible tool to support Thai MSMEs’ understanding and management of health risks related to air pollution. The toolkit has been developed in response to illness being widely cited by MSMEs as their most common vulnerability.

The winners of the UNDP-Generali Insurance Innovation Challenge in Thailand were announced. TruNord Technologies and Clean Technology and Innovation will each receive US$40,000 alongside technical assistance to develop their innovative insurance solutions tailored to the local needs and realities of Thailand’s MSMEs.

Generali and UNDP announced the next phase of their partnership. The next three years will see the partnership build on previous successes in Malaysia and Thailand while looking to expand into new markets across Asia, starting with India. The partnership combines Generali’s global insurance expertise with UNDP’s development capabilities, promoting inclusive growth, risk awareness, and long-term sustainability.

The event, hosted by UNDP and Generali, gathered high-level representatives from the Italian Embassy to Thailand, Thailand’s Ministry of Finance, a variety of local institutions, SME and MSME associations, as well as leaders from the financial and insurance sectors. Together, they shared insights and proposed concrete strategies for strengthening MSME resilience against workforce health risks as well as the impacts of climate change, natural disasters, and other emerging challenges.

Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, said: “The 95% MSME protection gap across Asia Pacific isn't just about a financial loss; it traps countless young entrepreneurs, particularly women, in highly vulnerable micro-businesses and restricts rebound and growth. UNDP and Generali demonstrate a new age of partnerships that boldly insures innovation and empowers entrepreneurs in stable or crisis contexts.”

Mr. Roberto Leonardi, Generali Asia Regional Officer, said, “It’s with great pride that Generali works alongside UNDP in our shared mission to close the protection gap for MSMEs in Thailand and across Asia, and ensure this essential community of businesses have the protection and support they need to achieve the success they deserve. By uniting around a common purpose, we have been able to put our strengths together to drive meaningful change and make insurance accessible to those businesses who need it most. I’m very encouraged by the impact to date and have every confidence that we will accelerate our efforts in the years to come.”

Mr. Arsh Kaumi, Country Manager & CEO of Generali Thailand, said: “MSMEs are the backbone of Asia’s and Thailand’s economy – driving growth and creating jobs. Empowering them with effective risk management tools is key to resilience and long-term success. We are proud to collaborate with UNDP and others to deliver solutions that not only support these businesses but also contribute to Thailand’s sustainable growth. Insurance plays a vital role in ensuring continuity, and this initiative reflects Generali’s and UNDP’s shared commitment to equipping Thai MSMEs with the protection and resources they need to grow and thrive sustainably in the future.”

                                                              ###

ABOUT THE GENERALI-UNDP PARTNERSHIP

Generali, as a responsible corporate citizen, is strongly committed to public-private partnerships and to using its expertise to support public bodies in reaching their objectives. UNDP and Generali have partnered to enhance the financial resilience of vulnerable communities, MSMEs, and global value chains to climate and other risks. Under the multi-year partnership, Generali and UNDP’s Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF) are developing research and tools, incentivising the development of innovative insurance solutions, and advocating for holistic resilience solutions that blend risk transfer and management. The partnership combines Generali’s insurance expertise with the UNDP’s long-term focus on financing and development. Furthermore, through the partnership, Generali and the UNDP are contributing towards putting insurance innovation at the heart of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda.


THE GENERALI GROUP

Generali is one of the largest integrated insurance and asset management groups worldwide. Established in 1831, it is present in over 50 countries in the world, with a total premium income of € 95.2 billion and € 863 billion AUM in 2024. With around 87,000 employees serving 71 million customers, the Group has a leading position in Europe and a growing presence in Asia and Latin America. At the heart of Generali’s strategy is its Lifetime Partner commitment to customers, achieved through innovative and personalised solutions, best-in-class customer experience and its digitalised global distribution capabilities. The Group has fully embedded sustainability into all strategic choices, with the aim to create value for all stakeholders while building a fairer and more resilient society.


GENERALI THAILAND

Generali Life Assurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited and Generali Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited were established in November 2002 through a strategic partnership between the Assicurazioni Generali Group and the Tantipipatpong family. Built on the international expertise, extensive global network, and financial strength of the Generali Group, Generali Thailand has grown into one of the country’s most dynamic and forward-looking insurance companies. The company is recognized for its strong financial foundation and commitment to delivering innovative, customer-centric solutions in the Thai market.


UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

001 : Mr. Roberto Leonardi, Generali Asia Regional Officer

002 : Mr. Arsh Kaumi, Country Manager & CEO of Generali Thailand

003 : Mr.Giulio Terzariol CEO Insurance, Generali

004 : H.E. Mr. Paolo Dionisi, Italian Ambassador to Thailand

005 : Dr. Benjarong Suwankiri Vice Minister of Finance, Government of Thailand

006 : Ms.Lauren Carter Deputy Lead, Insurance and Risk Finance Facility, UNDP

007 – 008 : Executives from UNDP and the Generali Group pose for a group photo.

009 - 014 : Event ambience