ILO DG joins public and private sector and social and solidarity economy leaders at a panel in Davos on Unlocking the Social Economy

The panellists discussed the role of the social and solidarity economy (SSE) in advancing decent work and sustainable development.

News | 31 January 2023
The affiliate event took place on 19 January, 2023 with the participation of ILO DG Gilbert Houngbo, Jeroo Billimoria (Founder, One Family Foundation & Catalyst 2030) and Julia White (Chief Marketing and Solutions Officer, SAP). Co-hosted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), Catalyst 2030, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, and SAP, the panelists discussed the role of the social and solidarity economy in advancing decent work and sustainable development.

The affiliate event took place on 19 January, 2023 with the participation of ILO DG Gilbert Houngbo, Jeroo Billimoria (Founder, One Family Foundation & Catalyst 2030) and Julia White (Chief Marketing and Solutions Officer, SAP).

Chaired by François Bonnici (Director, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Head of Social Innovation, World Economic Forum) chaired the session. Two winners of the Collective Social Innovation Award Sally Roever (International Coordinator of WIEGO) and Joseph Kenner (President and CEO, Greyston) also participated in the event and posed questions to the panelists.

Mr Houngbo reflected on the definition of the SSE adopted at the 110th International Labour Conference as part of the resolution on decent work and the social and solidarity economy. He underlined the importance of values and principles that guide SSE entities. He pointed out to the potential of the SSE to uplift persons facing vulnerable situations, including women, youth and persons with disabilities.

The Prime Minister of Tunisia, H.E. Najla Bouden, provided closing remarks to the panel. She reflected on the Tunisian social economy policy that was adopted in 2020 which was developed with support from the ILO. She hihglighted ongoing projects on youth employment and women economic empowerment in and through the social and solidarity economy. She also pointed to future plans of her government in advancing the SSE.