Bordeaux Hosts Major Global Social Economy Forum Amidst Growth and Challenges

From October 29 to 31, 2025, Bordeaux became the epicenter of the global social and solidarity economy (ESS) by hosting the Global Social Economy Forum (GSEF) with 10,800 participants from 109 countries. Mayor Pierre Hurmic highlighted the event as a reflection of growing international interest in ESS, calling Bordeaux “already the after-Davos” rather than its opposition. The forum centered on key themes such as the transition to ESS, ecological action, and decent work, featuring 169 roundtables and voices like Uber Eats delivery driver Youssouf Kamara, who advocated for decent working conditions.

Despite its success, the forum faced diplomatic hurdles, including denied visas for African delegates, which prompted a public apology from ESS France President Benoît Hamon. Additionally, the absence of government officials and a pre-recorded, booed speech from President Emmanuel Macron cast a shadow over the proceedings.

The ESS plays a significant role in the French economy, contributing 10% of GDP and providing about 14% of private sector employment through associations, cooperatives, and foundations focused on social utility rather than profit. Globally, ESS accounts for approximately 7% of GDP. However, concerns were voiced about the financial future of ESS organizations, as potential funding cuts threaten thousands of structures, according to the Union of Employers of the Social and Solidarity Economy.

Complementing the global event, the Rencontres de l’économie solidaire et responsable took place on November 18, 2025, in Périgny, marking one year since the 2024-2028 Social and Solidarity Economy strategy was adopted. The meeting assessed local initiatives and rewarded enterprises and individuals committed to professional integration, such as Pascal Le Gallais and the company SOPREMA. The Club de l’Achat Social et Solidaire's efforts facilitated nearly 1.3 million hours of work through social clauses from 2016 to 2024, equivalent to 796 full-time jobs, underscoring the ESS’s dynamic impact at the territorial level.

The GSEF closed with the presentation of three international declarations reinforcing support for the social economy, emphasizing a collective drive to strengthen this vital economic sector despite challenges ahead.