The Social and Solidarity Economy: Alternatives in the Making

by Eunices Pineda, ICSW

The concept of the social and solidarity economy (SSE) has roots in various movements and initiatives across different countries and regions. It emerged as a response to the limitations of traditional economic models and the need for alternative approaches that prioritize social and environmental objectives. It is challenging to attribute the introduction of SSE to a single individual; rather, it has been shaped by a broad range of actors, including grassroots organizations, researchers, policymakers, and social movements. The contributions of these individuals and collective efforts have helped introduce and advance the understanding and recognition of the social and solidarity economy as an alternative economic model focused on social and environmental objectives alongside economic sustainability. Increasingly used as an umbrella concept, SSE refers to the production and exchange of goods and services by a broad range of organizations and enterprises that are guided by the principles and practices of cooperation, solidarity, ethics and democratic self-management, and can take the form of cooperatives, social enterprises, self-help groups or community associations, among others.

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The rise of social protection in developing countries: new insights

by Leila Ali, ICSW

The rise of social protection in Global South countries has seen significant development in recent years, moving away from traditional food aid and subsidies towards more targeted and reliable forms of intervention. Through the provision of social assistance, social insurance, and labor market programs, today’s social protection systems strive to reduce (and prevent) poverty and vulnerability throughout the life-cycle. Social protection, including social protection floors, has been recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a vital tool contributing to a number of SDGs.

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Charting new paths for the United Nations

by Leila Ali, ICSW

The United Nations Secretary- General António Guterres, in his remarks to the General Assembly Consultation on February 13, 2023, made several important policy statements about future directions for the United Nations. Many of his initiatives have direct relevance for the ICSW and other civil society organizations. Referring to his previously issued report Our Common Agenda, the Secretary- General has outlined his vision for the future of global collaboration, first of all accelerating progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since 2015, Member States have undertaken significant efforts to reduce poverty and inequality and to create and sustain healthy and prosperous communities. However, as the General Assembly prepares for the SDG Summit in September as well as the Summit for the Future next year, the Secretary-General emphasized the need to move away from abstract ideas and towards concrete actions, essential for improving global response and reaching the 2030 Agenda.

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2024: 62nd Session of the Commission for Social Development

The priority theme for the 62nd session of the Commission for Social Development next year will be “Fostering Social Development and Social Justice through Social Policies to accelerate Progress on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve the overarching goal of poverty eradication”. The theme underlines an intrinsic and important connection between social development and social justice as fundamentals to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The above issues are core concerns for the ICSW.

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