As social economy is receiving acknowledgement as a method of regenerating the local economy through participation and collaboration of the members of the society, the Global Social Economy Forum 2013 was held on November 5th – 7th, 2013 under the theme of ‘Rediscovery of Collaboration’ at the Seoul City Hall.

At the GSEF 2013, the biggest social economy event ever held in Korea, eight innovation cities and approximately hundred-thirty domestic and foreign organizations that are leading social innovation through vitalization of social economy have gathered to share their visions and experience of social economy and to agree on mutual collaboration. More importantly, program such as the keynote speeches and the adaptation of Seoul Declaration were broadcasted live online and were delivered to the general public who could not attend the event.

At this forum, respecting the common opinions of the local government and organization representatives that “vitalization of social economy is essential in overcoming the economic crisis that we all face”, the Seoul Declaration that includes ten action methods to share social economy with even more cities was adopted. The content of Seoul Declaration includes establishment of sustainable social economy network through ‘private-community partnership’. It also includes promotion of exchange and collaboration among major social economy entities, mutual sharing of appropriate educational program development and outcomes, joint development of standard textbook and civilian education program, operate personal exchange program, and sharing research outcomes through the network. Furthermore it also states that in order to implement such plan, the provisional secretariat will be established in Seoul and that the inaugural meeting will be held in the year 2014.