In addition to the biennial GSEF Forums (GSEF2014 Seoul, GSEF2016 Montreal, GSEF2018 Bilbao, GSEF2021 Mexico City), GSEF develops various projects with its members and international partners in five key areas to continue building the momentum towards promoting the social economy globally.

1. Knowledge Exchange and Training

In order to allow the exchange of knowledge and experiences among members, GSEF provides various opportunities for capacity-building training, regional policy dialogues and learning sessions, and collaborates with C.I.T.I.E.S - the International Center for Innovation and Knowledge Transfer on the Social and Solidarity Economy. Most notably, GSEF Regional Policy Dialogues, regional gatherings of policymakers and SSE practitioners, provide a plateform to share each region's experiences and to enhance SSE policy environment in Asia, Europe and other regions.

2. Research 

The GSEF collaborates with internationally renowned researchers and research institutes such as UNRISD (United Nations Research Institute for Social Development) and Karl Polanyi Institue of Political Economy to assess and evaluate SSE activities in the members’ territories and publishes policy papers on their potential outcomes and impacts.

 3. Networking

The GSEF offers a platform for SSE practitioners in the public sector and civil society to exchange their ideas, to find potential partners, and to build up a network of support and solidarity. For instance, the Global Youth Camp for SSE was the first attempt to establish a network to foster mutual learning between young practitioners of SSE. The GSEF is planning to organize various networking events during our biennial Forums to respond to our members’ interests and needs.

4. International Advocacy 

In collaboration with international organizations such as agencies of the UN system, international civil networks and other organizations, GSEF has dedicated its efforts to advocate the potential of SSE as a strategy for achieving global goals including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or the New Urban Agenda.

5. Communication

In order to facilitate communication among GSEF members, the Secretariat manages the GSEF website and social media channels and circulates monthly e-newsletters. Since 2018, a working group on communication composed of five steering committee member organizations - the city of Montréal, Chantier de l'Economie Sociale, RIPESS, IFSSE and Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs - contribute their expertise towards developing a more active exchange of news and ideas throughout the network.