ECLAC and ESCAP deepen their commitment to the United Nations Inter-institutional Working Group on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE)

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) have formalized their adhesion to United Nations Inter-Agency Working Group on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE). This advance builds on years of collaboration and aims to improve the implementation of the United Nations General Assembly resolution “Promote the social and solidarity economy for sustainable development” (A/77/281) in their respective regions.

The Social and Solidarity Economy (ESS) encompasses entities that carry out economic, social and environmental activities at the service of the collective and/or general interest. Depending on national circumstances, these entities include cooperatives, associations, mutual societies, foundations, social enterprises, self-help groups and others that operate in accordance with the values ​​and principles of the SSE. Globally, the SSE plays a vital role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, contributing to an inclusive, job-rich, resilient and sustainable recovery.

Mr Jonathon Wong, Head of Innovation, Enterprise and Investment at ESCAP’s Trade, Investment and Innovation Division, said the UN Resolution “sends a strong signal that governments around the world are committed to promoting an economic model that prioritizes people and the planet” and hopes to leverage the collective efforts of working groups to continue promoting the Social and Solidarity Economy throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr. Felipe Correa, Expert of the Productive and Business Development Division of ECLAC, reiterated these sentiments, highlighting that in Latin America and the Caribbean “significant work is necessary to promote SSE policies as part of productive development, combining forms more democratic ways of business management with better productivity returns, leading to higher incomes and greater well-being for people.

Simel Esim, UNTFSSE Co-Chair and ILO Head of Cooperative, Social and Solidarity Economy, welcomed the institutionalization of UNTFSSE membership by Regional Commissions, including ESCWA and now ESCAP and ECLAC. She noted that this step strengthens its ability to localize and promote sustainable development goals through the SSE. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to further integrate SSE into the planning and programming of entities of the United Nations development system, including the United Nations country teams, with special attention to the United Nations Cooperation Framework. the United Nations for Sustainable Development.

Chantal Line Carpentier, Co-Chair of UNTFSSE and Head of Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development at United Nations Trade and Development, highlighted that these new levels of collaboration provide the opportunity to take advantage of ECLAC’s experience and networks. and ESCAP in their respective regions to create an enabling environment for SSE policies and institutions at both regional and national levels. She added that her increased involvement reflects a growing understanding of the key role of the SSE within the UN system and beyond, as we have just celebrated the first anniversary of the Resolution.

About UNTFSSE: The UN Inter-Agency Working Group on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE) aims to increase the visibility of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) within the UN system and beyond. The Members and Observers of the Working Group have committed to undertake collaborative activities to: increase the visibility of SSE entities, promote knowledge exchange, establish enabling institutional frameworks and strengthen international cooperation, in accordance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

About ECLAC: The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, known as ECLAC, or in English ECLAC, is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations, and has its headquarters in Santiago, Chile. It was founded with the purpose of contributing to the economic development of Latin America, coordinating actions aimed at this goal and strengthening economic ties between countries and with other nations in the world. Later, the promotion of the social development of the region was included among its primary objectives. It is based in Santiago de Chile.

About ESCAP: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations and the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region. . The Commission promotes cooperation between its 53 Member States and 9 associate members in the search for solutions to the challenges of sustainable development. ESCAP is based in Bangkok (Thailand).