SEWF is going regional in 2027

Published 11.06.2026

The Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) will not convene its flagship global hybrid conference in 2027. Due to the ongoing war in West Asia and continued global uncertainty, SEWF has taken the decision to instead co-host two to three regional events across April–November 2027.

By moving to a regional model in 2027, we will be bringing SEWF to more communities around the world for in-person participation and connection, while also remaining less vulnerable to geopolitical disruption. 

What the regional model means

The 2027 regional model will sit under a single SEWF Regional umbrella with two to three events co-hosted across the year. Each event will be designed specifically for in-person participation and connection, spanning two days rather than a full week with one day of conference programming and a different format on the second day with a range of options in discussion. 

While SEWF Regional events will share SEWF’s identity and overarching purpose, each regional gathering will be shaped by regional priorities alongside shared global themes connecting the events across the year with speakers and participants from across the region as well as the global social enterprise movement. As with all SEWF events, co-design and community consultation will be central to SEWF Regional. 

Strategic intent

At its core, SEWF exists to strengthen the global social enterprise movement and accelerate the transition to a new economy that puts people and planet first. For almost twenty years, SEWF has been more than an event. It is a network of networks, connecting globally with those leading locally and regionally, catalysing collaboration, learning and systemic change. 

The regional model is being developed in response to ongoing global instability. At its core, this shift is about resilience. By moving to a regional model, we can continue to provide opportunities for the global social enterprise community to gather safely and meaningfully.

“Our decision to move away from a single global hybrid conference in 2027 was not taken lightly. SEWF has always been about bringing people together across borders to strengthen the global social enterprise movement and that commitment remains as strong as ever.

But in a time of ongoing global uncertainty, we also have a responsibility to ensure our community can gather safely and meaningfully. A regional model in 2027 lets us do exactly that: bringing SEWF closer to more people, while keeping the global movement connected through shared themes, collaboration and purpose.

Our global gatherings matter deeply to us and this shift is about extending their impact, not replacing it. We’re excited to work with partners around the world to co-create regional events that reflect local priorities while feeding into one shared global conversation.

If you’d like to host, we warmly invite you to join us in shaping this next chapter”  — Gerry Higgins, Founder and Managing Director, SEWF

Expressions of interest now open

Deadline for submissions: 6 July

👉 [SUBMIT AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST]

The Social Enterprise World Forum is the leading global organisation dedicated to strengthening the social enterprise movement. Established in Scotland in 2008, SEWF brings together social enterprises, policymakers, networks, intermediaries, funders and purpose-driven organisations to build an inclusive, sustainable economy that puts people and planet first.

For media enquiries, email enquiries@sewfonline.com

Also read:

Social enterprise news roundup – June 2026 SEWF 2019 – Changing the course of history! From bucket list to board member: How Jessica Oyarbide built a global network by engaging with SEWF SEWF Social Enterprise Day: Collective action for people and planet Shaping Tomorrow: Collective Action for People and Planet