The Rural Social Enterprise Gathering 2025 - Connecting rural voices for our global future

31 October - 4 November

Join the Rural Social Enterprise Gathering

The Rural Social Enterprise Gathering is an immersive experience bringing together the rural social enterprise community from around the world to connect, collaborate and exchange best practices.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with rural social enterprises through a Learning Visit set in Sabah’s tropical rainforest. The gathering will also feature a Rural Forum in Kota Kinabalu, where participants can take part in dynamic discussions and knowledge sharing sessions, shaping the future of rural social enterprise. 

Why attend the Rural Gathering?

Connect and build partnerships

with hundreds of like-minded changemakers from rural communities around the world.

Shape the future of rural social enterprise

and make positive impact on people and planet.

Discover the vibrant social enterprise scene of Sabah, Malaysia

travel through Sabah’s tropical rainforest and learn about the inspiring social enterprises that are making a difference in their community.

Programme:

31 October
In person
1 November
In person
2 November
In person
3 November
In person

Who is the Rural Gathering for?

For anyone active or interested in the work of rural communities around the world including:

  • Social entrepreneurs and social enterprise practitioners
  • Innovators and changemakers
  • Ecosystem supporters e.g. government, funders, investors, corporate partners
  • Students and young people
  • Members of the local community with an interest in social enterprise
Register for ticket release notification
Who is the Rural Gathering for? Image

Book today

— Make the most of the Early Bird rate (expires 2 June 2025)! —

Forum only
Forum only
Starting from
100 RM
+ booking fee
Features include:
  • Access to all Rural Forum sessions, including keynote speeches, plenary panels and discussions

  • Meals and refreshments throughout the Forum

  • Marketplace and exhibition access to connect with social enterprises, NGOs and businesses

  • Networking opportunities with rural social enterprise leaders, policymakers and industry experts

  • Interactive sessions on rural development, sustainability and entrepreneurship

  • Access to speaker materials and post-event resources

  • Cultural and community engagement activities within Kota Kinabalu

Learning Visit + Forum
Learning Visit + Forum
Starting from
1,990 RM
+ booking fee
All the Forum features plus:
  • Round-trip ground transportation between Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang for a seamless travel experience

  • Accommodation in Kundasang and Kota Kinabalu with scenic surroundings

  • All-inclusive meals and refreshments featuring local and sustainable cuisine

  • Exclusive site visits to rural social enterprises, showcasing innovative community-driven solutions

  • Curated learning sessions on rural entrepreneurship, sustainability and social impact

  • Cultural immersion experiences, including interactions with Indigenous communities and local artisans

  • Networking opportunities with community leaders and rural changemakers

In partnership with