Event Program
Dear SME Colleague, Global SME Summit will organize its first edition, which is considered the largest global SME gathering in Davos, from 3-5 September 2025. The program will share knowledge and highlights four Drivers of SME Success:
- Innovation
- Generate Long Time Growth
- Have a Positive Social & Environmental Impact
- Ensure Resilience
The 2 days Summit will include multiple programs, plenary sessions and panel discussions focusing on the below themes:
DAY 1 WEDNESDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 2025
VENUE: Congress Centre, Davos, Switzerland
08:00 to 13:00 Registration and networking coffee
12:30 to 14:00 Standing Lunch
17:00 – 18:00 GSBH INAUGURATION & WELCOME SPEECHES
Opening & Welcome Message
Welcome address Partner |
Mr. Anis Khan, President of Global SME Business Home Mr. Roman Sommerau, VP of Global SME Business Home Mr. Roger Leitner, SACC |
Welcome address by Guest of Honor |
Mr. Philipp Wilhelm, Mayor of Davos |
Message of Support |
Sir Joseph S. Blatter |
Message of Welcome |
Mr Kondapalli Srinivas, Hon’ble Minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME), (SERP), (NRI) Empowerment & Relations, Government of Andhra Pradesh, India |
Introduction to the AI App, The Big Reveal – Why join GSBH and how it is different from other network |
Mr. Mukunda Sarolkar, Chairman and CEO Afflaim Technologies Pvt Ltd. Pune, India |
MC Social |
Ms. Sylwina Spiess, TV Journalist & Social Topics Panel moderator, Switzerland |
18:15 |
WELCOME NETWORKING APÉRO with Guests of Honor Mr. Usman Shaukt, President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industries |
18:45-19:15 |
Message of inspiration, introduction and Acknowledgement of Summit Sponsors Sir Syed Alamgir, Legendary Corporate Icon of Bangladesh |
19:15-19:30 |
Group photo |
19:30-21:30 |
Networking Dinner Buffet |
14:00 to 17:00 B2B MEETINGS
1 to 1 Meetings sessions |
Pre-Booked meetings through GSBH App |
14:00 to 17:00 MASTERCLASSES-1-2-3-4-5-6-
Master Classes: |
• Emotional Innovation by Henrik Langholf – SPIRIT FOR FUTURE • Blockchain and AI for Global SME´s- by Garima Singh – Bitviraj Technology • Master class on Building your personal AI using AI Ethically- by Yoke Van Dam– The Kingstu Queen • Corporate (SME) Geopolitics From world maps to the production line, by Prof. Dr. Charles Pierre Salvaudon, Expert in Geopolitics |
DAY 2 THURSDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2025
VENUE: Congress Centre Davos Switzerland
08:00 – 08:45 Registration and networking coffee
08:45–09:15 OPENING CEREMONY, MC Social Sylwina Spiess, Switzerland
Opening Speech 1: Global SME Summit’s Vision & Mission |
Mr. Anis Khan, Founder 1. Liechtenstein TBC 2 TBC |
Welcome Address: |
tbc Mr. Hubert Büchel, Minister of Home Affairs, Economy and Sports, Principality of Liechtenstein Mr Kondapalli Srinivas, Hon’ble Minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME), (SERP), (NRI) Empowerment & Relations, Government of Andhra Pradesh, India Khaled Fattal, Founder/ CEO MLi Group, USA Mr. Khawaja Masood Akhtar, CEO, Forward Sports Pvt Ltd |
MC Content |
Ms. Katrin J. Yuan, CEO, Swiss Future Institute, Chair of the AI Future Council, BM, lecturer at multiple Swiss universities, Author, Switzerland |
09:15 – 09.30 1 – INNOVATION – SME DRIVERS OF SUCCESS
Seismic Shifting Sands: Challenges and Opportunities for SME’s becoming Innovation Power Drivers. |
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Seismic shifting sands: challenges and opportunities for SMEs becoming Innovation Power Drivers Equipping the SMEs with the right tools to navigate through digital, political and social changes. Learn to embrace them and evolve. |
by Benjamin Talin, CEO, Morethandigital- Austria |
9:30 – 10:45 PANEL DISCUSSION 1
Unlocking opportunities using new technologies |
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Subtopics: In today’s volatile digital and geopolitical climate, SMEs face increasing data protection and cyber security risks. This session explores the rise of Geo-Poli-Cyber threats and their global impact on business resilience. Panelists will highlight how blockchain and AI entrepreneurial ecosystems offer innovative, decentralized safeguards. Join experts to uncover emerging challenges and equip SMEs with strategies for navigating the evolving cyber-geopolitical landscape.
Panel moderator |
• Dr. Thomas Dünser, PROSYD, Spiritus Rector of the Liechtenstein Blockchain Act, Liechtenstein
• Dr. Thomas Nagele, Dr. Token and CCA Trustless Technologies Association, Liechtenstein
• Ms. Garima Singh, AI &Blockchain Consultant
Benjamin Talin |
10:30 – 11:00 am Networking coffee break
11:00 – 11:30 am 1– INNOVATION – SME DRIVERS OF SUCCESS
Keynote speech 2: Experience Innovation: The Role of Talent and Technology in Driving Innovation and Transformation for SMEs. |
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Businesses thrive on clear, informed, and agile product strategies that guide their success. The Role of Talent and Technology in Driving Innovation and Transformation for SMEs. |
1. Mr. Vishwa Manoharan, CEO, AP MSME Development Corporation
2. Mr. Seshadri Vanagala, Group CEO IFINGLOBAL Group, India |
11:30 – 12:30 pm PANEL DISCUSSION 2
Subtopics: In an era where markets evolve faster than ever, SMEs must prioritize meeting evolving market demand through agile product innovation and strategic development. This panel unpacks how aligning product development management with emerging trends helps future-proof offerings and drive sustainable growth. Gain insights from industry leaders innovating at the speed of change and explore actionable strategies to transform shifting market needs into competitive advantage.
Panel moderator |
• Mr. Seshadri Vanagala, Group CEO IFINGLOBAL Group, India • Ms. Rania Ayman, Founder & CEO Enreprenelle, Egypt • Ms. Tanya Seajay, CEO, 7 Centre, Canada • Mr. Muhammad Umair, CEO, AW Enterprise, PISMIDA, Pakistan
Ms. Katrin J. Yuan |
12:30 – 13:30 NETWORKING LUNCH
PRALLEL ACTIVITIES
14:00 to 17:00 B2B MEETINGS -1- ( Booking via GSBH App)
1 to 1 MEETING SESSION |
Pre-Booked meetings through GSBH App Venue Wisshorn Venue Wandelhalle back |
14:00 – 15:30 MASTERCLASS -2- ( Book your Class: https://globalsmesummit.com/master- classes/)
LinkedIn for Business Growth |
Masterclass by Maria Blinova- Leaders First Venue Seehorn |
14:30 to 15:30 BRANDING BREAKOUT SESSION -3-
BRAND SOUTH AFRICA SESSION |
Venue Dischma |
14:30 to 15:30 BRANDING BREAKOUT SESSION -4-
BRAND BANGLADESH SESSION BRAND PAKISTAN SESSION |
Venue Schwarzhorn |
13:30 – 14:00 2 – GENERATE LONG TERM GROWTH – SME DRIVERS OF SUCCESS
Keynote speech 3: Securing growth in light of unmitigated risks |
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-Securing Growth in light of Unmitigated Risks -Transition and Traceability in the Next Decade |
1. by Khaled Fattal, Founder/ CEO MLi Group, USA 2. by Dr. Ayyazuddin, Chairman, PRGMEA, United Kingdom |
14:00 – 15:00 PANEL DISCUSSION 3
Geo-Political Risks / Unlocking New Markets / Certifications/Logistic |
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Subtopics: As globalization accelerates, SMEs must navigate heightened Geo-Poli-Cyber™ threats, economic volatility, and digital warfare to ensure resilience and survivability. This session examines how AI is revolutionizing logistics across industries—boosting efficiency, adaptability, and predictive capabilities. Experts will also explore the growing importance of ISO and CE labeling certifications as strategic tools for quality assurance and global market access. Discover how integrated innovation and compliance are key to thriving in an increasingly complex global arena.
Panel moderator |
• Mrs. Cynthia Gnassingbe-Essonam, Senior Advisor, AFCFTA, Ghana • Mr. Karim Al-Wadi, CEO, Beltway Group, Entrepreneur/Scholar/Author, China (online) • Mr. Cesar Trabanco, Global Chamber, Puerto Rico • Mr. Peter Lu, CEO, Neurowatt, Singapore • Dr. M. S. Shankara Prasad, Principal Technical Adviser to the ministry, (MSME), Government of Andhra Pradesh, India
Prof. Dr. Charles Salvaudon |
14:30 – 15:45 Networking coffee break – Interaction with SDG Artists- Book Signage
15:45 – 16:00 2 – GENERATE LONG TERM GROWTH – SME DRIVERS OF SUCCESS 2
Keynote speech 4: Bringing your brand life through content and effective communication with customers through your brand |
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Building Adaptive Organization and a strong Brand |
Mr. Alain Biner, CEO, Smiling Gecko- Switzerland |
16:00 – 17:00 PANEL DISCUSSION 4
Subtopics: In a world of rapid disruption and limitless possibility, how do SMEs keep their brands relevant and resonant? This dynamic session explores the fine line between evolving your brand and completely reimagining it. Discover how purposeful content and authentic communication transform brands from static identities into living conversations. Learn from leaders who have sparked growth by aligning storytelling with customer needs. Panel moderator |
• Dr. Ayyazuddin, PRGMEA, United Kingdom • Ms. Mpumi Mabuza, Brand SA, South Africa
Prof. Dr. Charles Salvaudon |
17:00 – 17:15 CLOSING KEYNOTE ADDRESS
*Mr. Mohammad Ehsan Ansari, Sea Power, Kingdom Saudi Arabia
*Dr. M S Shankara Prasad, Principal Technical Adviser to the ministry, (MSME), Government of Andhra Pradesh, India
17:15 – 17:30 Q&A by MC Katrin J. Yuan, and End of Day
17:00 – 18:30 |
*Brand South Africa Apéro by private invitation only* With Guest of Honor HE Mr Phaswana Cleopus Sello Moloto, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa Venue Davos 1/3 |
18:15-18:30 Transfers to Gala dinner venue. Meeting point Kongress centre entrance
19:00 – 22:00
Venue Gala Dinner
Morosani Posthotel, Promenade 42, 7270 Davos Platz
19:00 – 19:30 |
Pre-dinner Networking (Sponsor Recognition Awards) MC Katrin J Yuan with Sir Syed Alamgir- Legendary Corporate Icon of Bangladesh |
19:30 – 22:00 |
Meet the CEOs, Showcase and Gala Dinner |
DAY 3 FRIDAY, 5, SEPTEMBER 2025
VENUE: Congress Centre Davos Switzerland
08:00 – 09:00 Registration and networking coffee PRALLEL ACTIVITIES
14:00-16:00 B2B MEETINGS (Booking via GSBH App)
1 to 1 MEETING SESSION |
Pre-Booked meetings through GSBH App |
09:00 to 10:00 BRANDING BREAKOUT SESSION -1-2-
INNOVATION SWITZERLAND SESSION Opening with Alexander E. Brunner, President, Alpine Tech Forum, Switzerland |
Venue Flüela |
11:00 to 12:00 BRANDING BREAKOUT SESSION -2-3-
BRAND INDIA SESSION DR M S Shankara Prasad, Principal Technical Adviser to the ministry of MSME, Govt of Andhra Pradesh, India BRAND LIECHTENSTEIN SESSION |
Venue Sertig |
14:00 to 15:00 BRANDING BREAKOUT SESSION -1-4-5
1 to 1 MEETING SESSION |
Venue Wisshorn |
09:00 – 9:15 3- HAVE A POSITIVE SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT- SME DRIVERS OF SUCCESS
Keynote Speech 5: Decoding Leadership. What really matters to drive growth, sustainability and profitability. |
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How to transform challenges and crisis into opportunities |
by Dr. Valia Kalaitzi, Diversity & Inclusion Expert, Navigator, Switzerland |
09:15 – 10:15 PANEL DISCUSSION 5
Leadership and Inclusivity |
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Subtopics: As business landscapes shift, a new era of leadership is taking root—authentic, agile, tech-powered, and purpose-driven. This session tackles talent retention in a post- COVID world, and how evolving corporate cultures must rise to meet multigenerational expectations. Discover how SMEs are driving scientific innovation while embracing environmental responsibility. With a spotlight on women leaders paving the way, we’ll explore how inclusivity is not just a value, but a strategy for sustainable success. Panel moderator |
• Mrs. Neema Mleli, Specialist, Integrated Empowerment initiative, Tanzania • Mr. Showkot Hossain Ronny, Founder & Chairman of VFM Venture LTD- Bangladesh • Dr. Martina Dünser-Davis, Founder, Ulysses, Lichtenstein
Katrin J. Yuan |
10:15 – 11:15 Networking coffee break –
11:15-11:30
Keynote Speech 6: Seeking new Impetus for SDGs to achieve the SDG’s Targets by 2030. |
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Seeking new Impetus for SDGs to achieve. Extracts from the UNOC summit June 2025 |
Prof. Dr. Charles Salvaudon, Albert School, France/ Swiss Fintech Association, Switzerland |
11:30 – 12:30 PANEL DISCUSSION 6
A call for a more ambitious approach to SDG implementation, emphasizing the need for collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. |
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Subtopics: In today’s complex geopolitical landscape, sustainability is more than a goal – it is a competitive advantage. This session explores the need to localize the SDGs, making them relevant and actionable at the local level and how the circular economy unlocks both environmental and business value, driving long-term prosperity. Learn how SMEs are leading with resilience, reducing their real estate footprint through sustainable construction, and creating powerful societal impact. The know-how shifting to circular economy can benefit environment and business today and tomorrow.
Panel moderator |
• Mrs. Shalini Goyal Bhalla, MD International Council for Circular Economy, India • Dr. Haris Piplas, ETH Zurich • Ms. Zaahira Muthy, CEO, Zeearts-UAE • Mr. Arupendra Nath Mullick, Associate Director, Council for Business Sustainability, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India
Reshmee Chamroo |
12.30 – 13.30 NETWORKING LUNCH
13:30– 13:45 4- RESILIENCE – SME DRIVERS OF SUCCESS
Keynote Speech 7: How Resilience would shape the SMEs Future |
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SMEs’ journey from “hidden champions” to vital, globally recognized suppliers. |
by Beatrix Keim, Director, CAR, Germany |
13:45 – 14:45 PANEL DISCUSSION 7
Subtopics: In today’s high-pressure global economy, technology is only part of the solution. This session explores how SMEs and suppliers can build adaptive business models, navigate budget constraints, and evolve corporate culture without losing quality or vision. With real-world failure case studies, insights on sustainable supply chains, and |
• Mrs. Marta Fürich, Germany • Dr. Quy Vo-Reinhard, Switzerland • Dr. Martin Nerlinger, University of St. Gallen |
strategies for engaging non-traditional markets, this conversation will inspire bold, resilient leadership. Understand how public policy, governance, and grounded innovation can drive transformation – well beyond the digital surface.
Panel moderator |
Katrin J. Yuan |
14:45 – 15:30 Networking coffee break – Interaction with SDG Artists- Book Signage 15:30 – 15:45 4- RESILIENCE – SME DRIVERS OF SUCCESS
Keynote Speech 8: Trade Finance / Supply Chain Finance / SME Loans & Funding |
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Localizing the SDGs: A Circular Approach to Inclusive Sustainability: Catalyzing Innovation, Resilience, and Equitable Growth. This theme champions circular economy solutions as a force for transformative innovation, climate resilience, and inclusive progress. |
Mr. Arupendra Nath Mullick, Associate Director, Council for Business Sustainability, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India |
15:45– 16:45 PANEL DISCUSSION 8
Fostering Financial Resilience & Inclusive Growth: Unlocking Innovating Financing Solutions for SMEs |
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Subtopics: Thriving in uncertainty demands more than grit – it requires smart financial strategies and equitable access to opportunity. This session explores how SMEs can unlock innovative financing, optimize working capital, and leverage hedging tools for stability. Hear how sustainable finance and forward-looking public policy can create inclusive pathways to growth. It’s time to reimagine financial resilience as both a shield and a catalyst for SME transformation.
Panel moderator |
• Ms. Cleola Kunene, Head: SME Development, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, South Africa • Dr. Karen Wendt, Founder, Swiss Fintech Ladies and Angel Investors, Switzerland • Dr. Thomas Stern, Financial Market Law Expert, Bergt Law, Liechtenstein
Philip J. Weights |
16:45 – 17:00 CLOSING KEYNOTE ADDRESS by Anis Khan
MC Social, Sylwina Spiess MC Content, Katrin J. Yuan
17:00 – 18:00 Media Interviews & Press Release – Delegates Departure
END OF SUMMIT
Note:
The agenda is a preliminary draft and may be subject to short-notice changes. Updates will be communicated as early as possible.
*Available rooms 3-5 September 2025
09:00-17:00 |
Forum (Lower floor) |
Media Fireside chat room |
09:00-17:00 |
Studio (Lower floor) |
Media Fireside chat room |
09:00-16:30 |
Davos 1/3 (Lower floor) |
Meet the CEO |
08:00-17:00 |
Backoffice II (Higher floor) |
Prayers room |
08:00-17:00 |
Backoffice I (Higher floor) |
Backoffice Global SME Summit / Staff |
Innovate
At a time of unprecedented technological changes, the need to keep up with larger peers is more important than ever. Digitalisation and other innovations allow smaller companies to gain a competitive advantage but need to be managed effectively.
- Latest Trends in Technology (artificial intelligence, digital asset infrastructure, fintech, innovation ecosystems)
- Data Management (data protection, cyber security)
- Product Development (product innovation, product development strategies and processes).
Generate Long-Term Growth
Growth is the backbone of a company’s ability to generate economic value for its shareholders and community. Moving beyond a local market requires overcoming challenging barriers in a cost-effective way.
- Unlocking New Markets (breaking into specific regional and emerging markets, effectively using sales analytics, achieving scale across multiple markets)
- Brand and Quality Management (effective brand management, ISO certification, quality management systems)
- Logistics (using AI and fintech to enhance customer experiences, opportunities in shared services).
Have a Positive Social and Environmental Impact
Most entrepreneurs recognise that companies do not operate in a vacuum and are keen to ensure that their companies have a positive contribution to their employees, partners and communities.
- Sustainability (carbon credits and green energy, environmental certification, circular/green economy, reducing workplace injuries and improving employee well-being)
- Strategic Leadership (new generation of leadership, talent retention strategies)
- Inclusivity (fostering inclusive growth, women in leadership, resetting corporate culture to meet demands of younger generations).
Ensure Resilience
Most small companies are agile. But thriving in volatile markets also requires them to close the residence gap with their larger competitors.
- Access to Finance (trends in financial intermediation, working capital optimisation, next generation of investors, using sustainable finance, risk management in a volatile economy)
- Management and Corporate Culture (resilience as a pillar of success, achieving a healthy business ecosystem, relevant management styles, managing the transition from start-up to mid-sized company, crisis and business continuity management, effective management of teams)
- Public policy and governance (effective government policies, legal frameworks supporting SMEs, impact of US-China trade war)
- Adaptive Business Models (developing agile business models)

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