Over 4,000 participants from five continents will gather with the goal of sharing visions and practices that can make the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) “the standard that will shape the economy of tomorrow” — prioritizing people and collective projects over capital, and building an economy based on proximity and long-term perspectives.
From 29 to 31 October 2025, France will host for the first time the Global Social and Solidarity Economy Forum (GSEF) in Bordeaux, following previous editions in Seoul, Montreal, Bilbao, Mexico City, and Dakar. This major biennial international event brings together all the key actors of the global Social and Solidarity Economy ecosystem — and Torino Social Impact will take part.
Each edition of the Global SSE Forum:
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Pursues a political objective by bringing together elected representatives and leaders from around the world, alongside international experts, development agencies, networks, and sector stakeholders committed to promoting a people-centered, environmentally respectful economy.
A final declaration defines political commitments and a roadmap for the following two years. -
Fosters the exchange of experiences and know-how across continents. Successful innovations promoted by local governments and all SSE stakeholders are shared within a rich and collaboratively developed program.
Bordeaux GSEF 2025: Main Theme
This year’s edition focuses on the SSE as a key condition for a just transition toward resilient territories and the well-being of their inhabitants.
Particular attention will be given to the local dimension — emphasizing territorial approaches and public policies that drive the economic transition and strengthen the role of the social economy.
The GSEF: History of the Global Forum for the Social and Solidarity Economy
Founded in Seoul in 2013, GSEF is an international organization uniting local governments and civil society networks that operate at local, national, and global levels.
All its members are committed to promoting the principles and values of the Social and Solidarity Economy as a means to achieve human-centered and environmentally respectful local development.
Today, GSEF members span 37 countries, representing the diversity of the SSE: social enterprises, cooperatives, foundations, mutual societies, local authorities, and solidarity groups that put people before profit and foster a collective, vital, and innovative economy.
Since its creation, GSEF has worked to build and lead a global movement to unlock the potential of the SSE in shaping sustainable local growth across the five continents.
After two pivotal years (2022–2023) for the international recognition of the SSE at all levels, current efforts are focused on raising public awareness and promoting the practical implementation of SSE policies.
The GSEF Vision
GSEF is committed to building a fairer world with decent living and working conditions, aiming to reduce inequalities, meet essential needs, and serve as a framework for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It is founded on the belief that systemic change begins locally, through partnerships between civil society and both the private and public sectors.
The ultimate goal is for the SSE to grow into the economic standard of the future, embedding the collective management of shared resources.
GSEF promotes the exchange of international experiences and innovations to address the major social and environmental challenges faced by territories.
It places the SSE at the service of communities and local governments by providing tools and implementing policies.
It also works in collaboration with international networks, seeking complementarity that respects diversity and local identity, fostering joint action and shared priorities to advance the SSE and drive transformative development models.
More about the event: BordeauxGSEF2025 | GSEF
Learn more about GSEF: Introduction | GSEF
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