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

1. 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)
2. In-depth discussion in 4 groups
3. 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