ILO advances dialogue on SSE and decent work at regional cooperatives seminar in Dominica

Portsmouth, Dominica (ILO News) - From 26–27 November 2025, Dominica hosted a Regional Seminar on the Role of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) in Advancing Social Justice. The event organized by the Spanish Foundation for the Internationalization of Public Administrations (FIAP- Spanish acronym), under the European Union-funded EUCaN project, gathered leaders, policymakers, and cooperative actors from across the Eastern Caribbean. The conference also benefitted from the support and in-depth technical contributions of colleagues from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Commission of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Importantly, the seminar concluded with the development of a Joint Action Plan, setting out priority steps for advancing SSE and cooperativism across the Eastern Caribbean. Actionable initiatives were identified particularly with relation to digital technology, data collection, inclusion and capacity building.

To deepen these conversations, the ILO brought evidence-based perspectives on decent work and enterprise development. Representing the ILO in person, John Bliek Sustainable Enterprise Development Specialist, actively engaged in group discussions, technical sessions, and peer exchanges. He highlighted how cooperatives can expand economic opportunities in rural and small-island contexts, particularly for women and young people. Bliek also shared lessons from successful cooperative ecosystems worldwide, underscoring the value of supportive legislation and strong governance. The ILO in recent years has brought its unique cooperative approach to the Caribbean, working at all levels of the ecosystem. Its technical assistance spans revision of Acts and policies, institutional strengthening, facilitating dialogue between involved ministries and facilitating training to cooperatives and associations, to strengthen their formal and sustainable livelihoods.

© Spanish Foundation for the Internationalization of Public Administrations (FIAP)

© Spanish Foundation for the Internationalization of Public Administrations (FIAP)

Continuing the dialogue, Bliek contributed to working groups tasked with refining the Joint Action Plan. His guidance helped stakeholders identify mechanisms for strengthening the cooperative ecosystems and building innovation-friendly environments. As he noted, “Cooperatives are vital for rural development and the right environment has to be created so cooperatives and other entities of the SSE can flourish including updated acts and legislation, strong cooperative departments and regular exchange between cooperatives. The SSE gives people the power to transform their own livelihoods.”

This perspective echoed throughout the event. In a video message, ILO Director Joni T. Musabayana praised the Caribbean’s commitment to social justice and reaffirmed the ILO’s longstanding support for the SSE: “For the ILO, this is central to our mandate… Cooperatives and entities in the Social and Solidarity Economy integrate women, youth, and vulnerable groups into productive and dignified work.”

These discussions provided a strong foundation for future collective action. The seminar created opportunities to co-construct a shared SSE vision, reinforce partnerships across sectors, and promote knowledge transfer among Caribbean peers. With the Joint Action Plan now guiding the way, the region is positioned to drive coordinated, impactful progress on cooperatives and the SSE.