2025 Gyeonggi-do Social Economy Expo in the Republic of Korea highlights global momentum for the social and solidarity economy

GYEONGGI-DO, Republic of Korea (ILO News) - The 2025 Gyeonggi-do Social Economy Expo was held on 12–13 September in the Republic of Korea, bringing together global experts and social and solidarity economy (SSE) organizations to explore the social value and sustainable development of the SSE. Gyeonggi-do, the most populous province in Korea with around 14 million residents, is not only the largest administrative region by population but also one of the country’s most economically significant areas after Seoul.

Organized under the slogan “A Better World with a Social Economy for People!”, the expo featured an international conference alongside exhibitions, workshops, and networking programmes. The main conference brought together representatives from the UN and other international organizations. From the ILO, Ms. Simel Esim, Head of the Cooperative, Social and Solidarity Economy Unit and Chair of the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE), delivered a video message.

In her remarks, she emphasized that the SSE is “rooted in human dignity, solidarity, diversity and equality,” guided by people over capital, democratic governance and accountability, and ultimately leading to “social justice and decent work.” She noted the growing international recognition of the SSE, referring to the adoption of the ILO resolution on decent work and the social and solidarity economy in 2022 and the subsequent United Nations General Assembly resolutions in 2023 and 2024. She also highlighted that 2025 has been designated as the UN International Year of Cooperatives, underscoring the contribution of cooperatives and the broader SSE in building inclusive and resilient economies. Ms. Esim concluded by calling on participants to “reaffirm the social and solidarity economy’s core values, scale what works and build the partnerships needed for durable impact,” stressing that only through cooperation can the promise of people-centred economies be realized.

The Expo also featured sessions and exhibitions showcasing innovative responses to challenges such as youth employment, care services and community revitalization. Participants noted that these exchanges offered valuable opportunities to share global experiences and explore pathways for the sustainable growth of the SSE.

Widely seen as a platform to strengthen cooperation among governments, social partners and civil society, the Expo also underlined the crucial role of local initiatives. While central government efforts remain essential, Gyeonggi-do showed how local innovation can turn global vision into practical impact. Participants hoped such initiatives would continue to spread, making the SSE a stronger force for inclusive and sustainable development.