3rd Global Social Economy Forum 2016 - The Forum Opens with Dialogue on Sustainability

MONTREAL, Sept. 7, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - More than 1,400 people from about sixty countries gathered at the Palais des congrès de Montréal (Canada) this morning for the opening plenary of the 3^rd Global Social Economy Forum 2016, organized jointly by the City of Montreal and the Chantier de l'économie sociale. Over the next three days, participants will be able to take part in workshops or working groups presenting more than 120 social economy initiatives from more than 35 countries as well as nearly twenty field visits to discover Montreal and Quebec's social economy enterprises.

"The City of Montreal is proud to co-organize this important forum. We are enthusiastic about hosting the GSEF2016, a unique event that brings together participants from around the world to discuss collaboration between local governments and social economy stakeholders," said Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal.

"As a co-organizer of the GSEF2016, the Chantier is delighted that participants from all continents can reflect collectively and learn from each other. We share the conviction that collective action is required for alternative development and that the social economy is a fundamental pillar in the sustainable and intelligent development of communities," added Jean-Martin Aussant, Executive Director of the Chantier de l'économie sociale.

"The success of the GSEF2016 in Montreal demonstrates that social and solidarity economy is a path toward an inclusive economy. Other cities are invited to follow the movement. Seoul is committed to social economy and solidarity and is promoting global solidarity so that economic activity benefits everyone, so that everyone can enjoy a high quality of life. We hope that the GSEF2016 will create new viewpoints and strengthen cooperation between local governments and social economy networks around the world," said Park Won Soon, Mayor of the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Co-President of the GSEF Association.

"The Global Social Economy Forum in Quebec is a unique chance for exchanges on the future of collective entrepreneurship development. Moreover, the social economy is an integral part of our government's vision to build a strong, prosperous Quebec for all Quebecers," said Dominique Anglade, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, and Minister Responsible for the Digital Strategy for Quebec.

"With participants from across the world, it is clear that the discussions held here over the next few days will be very stimulating. Our government has ventured into developing a strategy for social innovation and finance and we're open to new ideas coming from the Global Forum. We wish everyone the warmest welcome to Canada and a very successful forum," said Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development for Canada.

The day's proceedings will continue with a special session in which all the mayors attending the GSEF2016 will express their commitment to the social and solidarity economy as a lever for more equitable and sustainable development.

For more information about the initiatives proposed or the complete Forum program, please visit www.gsef2016.org.

The GSEF2016 is made possible by the financial participation of the Government of Canada, Government of Quebec and associated partners.

About the Global Social Economy Forum (GSEF)

The Global Social Economy Forum (GSEF) is an international association bringing together local governments and civil society stakeholders committed to supporting the development of the social and solidarity economy (SSE). Its mission is to promote cooperation among social and solidarity economy organizations and local governments to stimulate the creation of quality jobs, equitable growth, and the advancement of participatory democracy and sustainable development. During the association's founding meeting in 2013, its members issued a declaration laying out their intentions and objectives. In 2014, members adopted a charter establishing its principles and operations, including the holding of a forum every two years.

The first two editions of the GSEF took place in Seoul in 2013 and 2014 respectively and each brought more than 1,000 people together.

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*** Photos of the plenary opening are available upon request.

SOURCE Forum mondial de l’économie sociale - GSEF2016

For further information: Amély Tremblay, Morin Relations Publiques, amely@morinrp.com, 514 774-8522; Mélodie Ménard, Morin Relations Publiques, melodie@morinrp.com, 514 561-1966; Isabelle Paquette, Morin Relations Publiques, isabelle@morinrp.com, 514 581-8981