Forums

GSEF organises biennial international forums with its member cities across the continents. It is one of the most prestigious international gatherings on social economy, bringing together all stakeholders from international organisations, local/central governments and civil society networks. GSEF Forums serve as a platform for mutual learning, agenda setting, and knowledge exchange. 

  • GSEF2013 ‘New Discovery of Collaboration’ (5-7 November 2013, Seoul, Korea)
  • GSEF2014 [inaugural meeting]: ‘Solidarity for Change’ (17-19 November 2014, Seoul, Korea)
  • GSEF2016 ‘Local Governments and Social Economy Stakeholders – Allies for the intelligent and sustainable development of cities’ (7-9 September 2016, Montreal, Canada)
  • GSEF2018 ‘Social Economy and Cities – Values and competitiveness for an inclusive and sustainable local development’ (1-3 October 2018, Bilbao, Spain)
  • GSEF2021 'Local Governments and Social Economy: co-creation of paths for a green and inclusive economy' (4-8 October 2021, Mexico City, Mexico)
  • GSEF2023 'Transitioning from informal economies to collective and sustainable economies for our territories' (May 1-6, 2023, Dakar, Senegal)
  • GSEF2025: 'The SSE, a precondition for a just transition towards resilient territories1 and the well-being of their inhabitants' (October 29-31 2025, Bordeaux, France)