More than 2,000 persons from around the globe are expected at the Palais des congrès de Montréal (Canada) this coming September 7 to 9 to take part in the Global Social Economy Forum – GSEF2016. This third edition, organized jointly by the Ville de Montréal and the Chantier de l’économie sociale, will focus on the theme Local Governments and Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) Stakeholders: Allies for the Intelligent and Sustainable Development of Cities.

Programming for the three days will highlight more than 90 social economy initiatives from more than 35 countries around the globe. These initiatives will be presented in the form of workshops and working groups grouped under four themes: Enterprise and Job Creation, Social Cohesion, Quality of Life and Living Environment, and Governance.

"Cooperation between local governments and social economy enterprises has continued to rise over the past years and undoubtedly contributes to the intelligent and sustainable development of cities. Montreal is proud to host this Forum that will play a concrete role in positioning the social economy as a driver of fair and sustainable economic development," stated Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal.

"All over the world, the Quebec social economy model generates interest, particularly with regard to the collaboration between civil society and public authorities and the co-construction of public policy. Far from being alone, Quebec is part of a growing international movement in favour of a more equitable and sustainable economy where the social economy plays a major role. The GSEF2016 will undoubtedly be a space for discussions and reflections that will enable participants to learn the best practices at home and abroad," added the executive director of the Chantier de l’économie sociale, Jean-Martin Aussant.

More information on GSEF2016

Site visits to better understand the Québec reality

Participants will also be able to take part in approximately twenty of the Forum's side events to learn more about social economy businesses in Montreal and Québec working in various sectors. In addition to showcasing Québec's social economy, these site visits will serve as excellent networking and dialogue opportunities with the principal players in these initiatives.

Opening plenary: institutional and political commitment for SSE

The Forum's opening plenary will take place on September 7, 2016 at 9 am, and introduce the GSEF co-chairs, the Honourable Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul, and Rev. Kyong Yong Song, President of the Seoul Social Economy Network, as well as the co-organizers of the GSEF2016, the Honourable Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal and Jean-Martin Aussant, Executive Director of the Chantier de l'économie sociale. This plenary will be followed by a special session at 10:30 am, during which all the mayors from every continent expected at the GSEF2016 will show their commitment to SSE as a lever for more equitable and sustainable development.

In addition, several cities have already confirmed their participation to the Forum including: Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Bamako (Mali), Bilbao (Spain), Dakar (Senegal), Gothenburg (Sweden), Lille (France), Madrid (Spain) Mondragon (France), Paris (France), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Seoul (South Korea), Turin (Italy), Vancouver (Canada) and Yaoundé (Cameroon).