On April 18, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/77/L60 titled "Promoting social and solidarity economy for sustainable development".
Although this resolution does not have legal binding force, it sets a precedent and a reference for the development of future binding instruments, both at the international and national levels. Thus, it lays the foundation for addressing the challenges of inequality, the climate crisis, and other economic and social issues affecting territories and citizens, especially those in vulnerable situations.
Through this approval, national governments are provided with a clear guide on the actions they can take in this area:
Definition of social and solidarity economy
The Resolution defines social and solidarity economy as including companies, organizations, and other entities with
democratic or participatory governance
a criterion for the distribution and use of surpluses or profits, as well as assets, that prioritizes people and social purpose over capital
autonomy and independence (from traditional governments and companies)
and are based on the principles of voluntary cooperation and mutual aid.
Furthermore, it determines that among the main legal forms that are part of the social and solidarity economy include: foundations, cooperatives, associations, mutual societies, social enterprises, self-help groups, and other entities based on the values and principles of the social economy.
Scope of action
Social and solidarity economy entities have a broad scope of action, operating in all sectors of the economy, whether structured or not. Through their economic, social, and environmental activities, these entities seek to promote collective or general interest. At the same time, they aim to ensure their own long-term viability and sustainability.
Values of social and solidarity economy
The Resolution determines that social and solidarity economy is based on the following values:
- Care for people and the planet: Social and solidarity economy entities seek to promote sustainable and responsible practices that have a positive impact on society and the planet.
- Equality and equity: it promotes equal opportunities and social justice.
- Interdependence: Social and solidarity economy promotes collaboration, cooperation, and solidarity to address social, economic, and environmental challenges among individuals, communities, and environments.
- Self-governance: they promote the active participation of all individuals involved in decision-making and in the management of activities.
- Transparency and accountability: accountability and responsibility towards the individuals involved, the community, and the environment are promoted, as well as the establishment of mechanisms to ensure transparency in decision-making and resource management.
- Promotion of decent work and dignified livelihoods: seeks to ensure fair working conditions, decent wages, and opportunities for professional and personal development for individuals.
Public policies
The Resolution urges Member States to promote and implement national, local, and regional strategies, policies, and programs to support and enhance social and solidarity economy as a model for sustainable economic and social development. This may include establishing specific legal frameworks, visibility of their contribution in national statistics, offering tax and public procurement incentives, recognizing their role in educational programs and capacity development initiatives and research, as well as business support, especially in access to financial services and financing for social and solidarity economy entities. At the same time, the participation of stakeholders in this area in policy formulation processes is encouraged.
Multilevel policy
The Resolution indicates that this policy must be multilevel, that is, it must involve the participation of international, national, and regional public officials, international financial institutions, and development banks in decision-making and policy co-construction. Barcelona, May 2023.
This summary has been prepared by the legal services of the CCF for informational purposes.
Les Nacions Unides aproven la primera llei mundial de l'Economia Social