WUSME at the UNIDO Conference in Hungary focuses on tackling social exclusion

BUDAPEST – WUSME participated, on June 1th and 2th, 2017, in the Conference co-organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Ministry for National Economy of Hungary with focus on tackling social exclusion. The event was attended by representatives from the government, private sector, social enterprises, academia, civil society and international organizations were present at the event. The main themes discussed during the two days of work: social innovation and social and solidarity economy (SSE). In addition, attention has been drawn to their potential for reducing social exclusion of disadvantaged groups from the real economy. “The role of Small and Medium Enterprises and Social business –explained Michele Orzan, who represented the Organization at the UNIDO Conference – were defined as crucial in a balanced, solid, sustainable and inclusive growth of the economy”.

From the UNIDO website (https://www.unido.org/news/press/unido-conference-in-1.html) it reads that “the first day of the conference focused on reasons social exclusion has come to the fore as a priority policy issue, and the emergence of SSE organizations and their contribution to fostering social inclusion. Social entrepreneurs from Latin America, the Caucasus region and Europe presented their best practice cases and challenges. Important elements for promoting social entrepreneurs, such as regulatory frameworks and sources of funding, including impact investment, were also discussed. The second day of the conference addressed business support services available for social enterprises and the necessary policy framework for a thriving social and solidarity economy, including the role of governments and international organizations in support of the sector”.

Photo: Michele Orzan at UNIDO Conference in Hungary