Niort Hosts the 2026 National Forum on Social and Solidarity Economy with 2,000 Participants

The 2026 Forum de l’économie sociale et solidaire (ESS) is set to take place in Niort on November 17-18, attracting approximately 2,000 participants. This includes 1,320 professionals and 400 speakers from a wide range of ESS structures such as associations, cooperatives, foundations, and mutuals. The event will be hosted across several venues including Magic Flonflon, Maison Boinot, Moulin du Roc, Niort Tech, and the local media library.

Niort was chosen owing to its dense concentration of social and solidarity economy organizations, with two-thirds of the surrounding communes housing such entities. The city itself accounts for 80% of ESS employees and over half of the region’s employer establishments, largely fueled by the prevalence of mutual societies. The forum is organized by the regional ESS chamber of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, representing 20,422 organizations as reported in its 2025 activity report.

This year’s theme, “Faire territoire ensemble” (Building Territory Together), emphasizes cooperative territorial development and a collective approach within the ESS sector. The program includes workshops, round tables, and conferences designed to foster networking and collaboration among ESS actors. This landmark gathering reflects the sector’s vital role in the region’s economic and social fabric while promoting sustainable and inclusive development strategies.