GSEF sister organisation C.I.T.I.E.S (The International Centre for Innovation and Knowledge Transfer on the Social and Solidarity Economy) has opened its new headquarters at the Maison de l’économie sociale, Montreal. The inauguration ceremony was attended by more than 100 SSE network and foreign government representatives from Barcelona. Comprised of experts from Seoul, Barcelona, Bilbao and Montreal, C.I.T.I.E.S serves as a knowledge transfer platform for social innovation and SSE among SSE stakeholders and local governments. 

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C.I.T.I.E.S. mobilizes the expertise of partners in different territories to develop and adapt validated practices conducive to social economic development, including the production and adaptation of public policies. In addition to transfer and support activities, it is also a useful tool for international solidarity, fostering inclusive and sustainable development for communities. “Our transfer activities with Seoul and Barcelona are already underway, and thus far have focused on solidarity lending, housing and youth entrepreneurship. Our team is also in discussions with other cities in Asia, the Americas and Europe that are looking to become an active part of our network,” explained Béatrice Alain, President of C.I.T.I.E.S. (quote from the Canadian CED Network website)