Global SSE Forum
Bordeaux GSEF 2025
In the autumn of 2025, the Global Social and Solidarity Economy Forum will be held for the first time in France, following previous events held in Seoul, Montreal, Bilbao, Mexico City and Dakar.
This major biennial international event brings together all the stakeholders in the Social and Solidarity Economy ecosystem.
The objective?
The aim is to pool the visions and practices that can make the SSE the “standard that will regulate the economy of tomorrow”, imposing the primacy of people and collective projects over capital, and structuring an economy based on proximity and long-term perspectives.
This seventh edition will be held from 29 to 31 October 2025 in Bordeaux, a city whose mayor is also President of the GSEF.
Each edition of the Global SSE Forum:
- pursues a political objective by bringing together elected representatives and leaders from all over the world, along with international experts, development agencies, networks and stakeholders in the field who are committed to promoting this economy focused on people and respect for the environment. A final declaration sets out the political commitments and a roadmap for the next two years.
- promotes exchanges of experience and expertise throughout all continents. Successful innovations led by local governments and all the players involved in the SSE are highlighted through a dense, co-constructed programme.
Bordeaux GSEF 2025 will be an important milestone on the road to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. With 5 years to go before the 2030 Agenda, the Forum should enable us to bring together civil society and territories to get things moving, challenge decision-makers and speed up the transition.
This is all the more crucial given the numerous threats facing the world today: wars, authoritarian regimes, economic disorder, social conflicts, ecological disasters and so on. The aim is to show that another world is possible and that it already exists.
The Scientific Committee will therefore be offering an extensive programme revolving around a strong theme and leading to a variety of sub-themes, fuelled by contributions from all over the world.
In addition to hosting discussions, the Forum will also have impacts in time and space, thanks to a series of territorial pathways, a cultural programme, and an SSE showcase for all audiences, participants and the general public alike.
Open to the city, Bordeaux GSEF 2025 will be an opportunity to showcase the SSE in what it is and can be, present in the daily lives of local residents, to demonstrate its assets in the service of the common good. Gateways will also be offered to conventional economic players to disseminate the values of the SSE and raise awareness of its contribution to the local economy.
Bordeaux GSEF 2025 – a welcoming, lively, stimulating and engaging Forum.
✓ 3-day Forum
+ 1 day of territorial pathways
✓ 3,000 participants
are expected from all 5 continents:
local and national governments, institutions, networks and SSE players, with strong French and European involvement.
✓ one dedicated site: the Palais 2 l’Atlantique at Bordeaux-Lac
a high-quality, recently-built infrastructure with great transport links, fully adapted to the format and constraints of the event will host the Forum.
+ one site with easy access to the city: Hangar 14 in the centre of Bordeaux
One general theme
“The SSE, a precondition for a just transition towards resilient territories and the well-being of their inhabitants“
This theme is divided into sub-themes based on contributions expected from local governments, networks, SSE stakeholders, etc. following the call launched in July and open until 20 December 2024.
The proposed contributions will be examined by the Scientific Committee and will form the Forum programme, following on from the policy plenary sessions and thematic round-table discussions.
✓ Different discussion and content formats:
- an opening and closing ceremony with a presentation of the Bordeaux Declaration
- policy panels linking the SSE and public policies at different levels
- thematic plenary sessions
- workshops and self-managed sessions, resulting from a call for contributions
✓ a networking dimension
with spaces and tools for networking
✓ a cultural programme
with events
in the city centre
✓ a stand area
for institutions, networks, SSE players and partners in the central building at the Forum venue
✓ a requirement for an
eco-designed and
resource-efficient event
Spotlight on local players in the SSE
- In addition to their participation in the Forum and in the territorial pathways, and their contribution to the content, they will be mobilized with CRESS Nouvelle-Aquitaine to respond to service contracts as part of a responsible purchasing policy.
- They will have an opportunity to promote their products and services in a “marketplace”.
Involvement of young people
- Special attention will be paid to involving the 15 to 25-yearold age group locally, both beforehand through projects and during the event. The aim is not only to attract young people to the Forum, but also to give them the opportunity to learn more about the SSE. This type of entrepreneurship can only be developed by bringing new generations on board.
