Connecting social enterprises globally
At Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), we bring together thousands of changemakers, entrepreneurs and innovators from across the globe to strengthen and grow the social enterprise movement putting people and planet first. SEWF events are more than just conferences, they are dynamic platforms for learning, collaboration and action that create long-lasting change through new ideas generated, partnerships and collaborations formed and influencing systems change.
– Marieke Eyskoot, SEWF23 Co-MC (The Netherlands)
Since the first Social Enterprise World Forum in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2008, our events have brought together thousands of people from around the world to strengthen and grow the global social enterprise movement. They include virtual and hybrid events to reduce barriers to access and impact on climate. Since 2023, our hybrid event has moved to being held every two years to further reduce environmental impact and with options for participation online, in person and at local Community Hubs in locations around the world.
SEWF events are designed for social enterprise, by social enterprise. Programmes are co-designed and co-created in consultation with partners around the world including the SEWF Youth Advisory Group. In a hybrid event year, we work with a co-host to spotlight the region where they are based and consultation includes local and regional sessions to ensure the programme reflects the priorities for the region. By working together with leaders and organisations from around the world, we ensure that the programme addresses the needs of social enterprises operating in diverse contexts.
SEWF events include dedicated spaces to spotlight critical conversations and underrepresented voices. Through community consultation, we know the importance of providing dedicated space for rural social enterprises and also to discuss policy and the role it can play in enabling social enterprise. The SEWF Policy Forum brings together social enterprise leaders, policymakers and academics to shape more supportive social enterprise policy environments around the world. The Rural Social Enterprise Gathering is a key moment that elevates and amplifies the impact of SEWF’s broader rural initiatives including the Global Rural Social Enterprise Network and the Rural Social Enterprise Manifesto.
SEWF events are more than a moment in time – they are a catalyst for long-term change. By elevating the visibility of the social enterprise movement they create space for launching major initiatives and foster connections between entrepreneurs, policymakers and funders. SEWF legacy includes forming cross-border collaborations, creating new projects and increased investment in the social enterprise sector in a variety of countries. By convening changemakers from around the world, SEWF provides a platform to spark ideas and meaningful partnerships that continue to grow long after the event ends.
To ensure fair representation, our speaker selection process is based on diversity and inclusion, with a strong focus on gender and age balance, regional diversity and prioritising underrepresented voices. We aim for a significant number of speakers from the host country, under 30 years of age and actively seek out first-time speakers to ensure fresh ideas and perspectives. Our goal is to create a platform where everyone feels seen, heard and empowered to participate.
Sustainability is at the heart of how we design and deliver SEWF events. We reduce travel by making our events online or hybrid and support local access through our Community Hub model. We avoid printing and single-use materials by using sustainable suppliers – prioritising social enterprises. Climate themes are always throughout the programme. From waste reduction to locally sourced, ethical materials, we’re committed to leaving a positive impact, not a footprint.
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