Theme: Multi Cross-sector Cooperation for Social Economy Policy in Asia: What is the Asian Model? Date: 4 November, 2015, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Venue: Multi-Purpose Hall (8F), Seoul City Hall, Seoul, South Korea The number of participants: Around 80 (Policymakers, researchers and intermediary organizations from Asia countries) Host: Global Social Economy Forum (GSEF) Organiser: Seoul Social Economy Support Center, C. Supporting Network: Asia Venture Philanthropy Network, National Association of Local Governments for Social and Solidarity Economy    

Theme: Social Economy in the 21st Century – The Asian Perspectives  Date: 17 Nov 2014 Venue: Seoul, Korea Organiser: British Council Host: Global Social Economy Forum (GSEF) Themes for Discussion What constitutes social economy in Asia? What should be the policy objectives for the sound development of the social economy in Asia? Process 6 short presentations by Cliff Southcombe (Managing Director, Social Enterprise Europe), Muhammad Allah Malik Kazemi (Senior Policy Advisor to Governor, Bangladesh Bank),  Fiki Satari (Chairman, Bandung Creative City Forum), Grace Sai (Director, MalaysianGlobal Innovation & Creativity Centre), Dongrok Suh (Deputy Mayor for Economic Planning, Seoul Metropolitan Government), Nuttaphong Jaruwannaphong (Director, Thai Social Enterprise Office) In-depth discussion in 4 groups OPERA in Pairs and Plenary: Own thinking time / Discussion in pairs / Presentation of pairs of three main ideas / Scoring of the ideas by the group / Selection of the ideas to be put forward to the main conference   Main issues prioritised (in no specific order)  Direct investment(CSR) to young start-up social enterprises (being a hub between private and social sectors) Take the lead in the procurement and marketing of products and services of the social economy Pass a Social Value Act The government should empower grassroots intermediaries to engage in social enterprises and provide a supportive environment in which they can thrive and achieve sustainability Need for incentive and support for new social economy network The government should build common ground/assets to support social entrepreneurs Social Economy development needs to be inclusive - working on increasing solidarity and cooperation between different actors ranging from social sector to the government to the private sector Needs-based policy intervention to eliminate social exclusion Provide the regulatory framework to build equitable society through sustainable business Social and economic policies must be apolitically protected from government changes and favours Cooperation/co-ordination between enterprises and social organisations Greater awareness on SEs and third sector Recommendation to set up a fund for SE in Asia