On 10 June, the 110th session of the International Labour Conference adopted the Resolution and Conclusions of the General Discussion Committee on decent work and the social and solidarity economy (SSE). During the deliberations, the ILO Constituents recognized that a robust SSE could contribute to balanced, inclusive, resilient and sustainable economies and societies.
This general discussion was the first-ever comprehensive deliberation on SSE at the International Labour Conference. Although the social and solidarity economy is not new, its policy importance and visibility have grown significantly since the turn of the century.
The Conference has significance for the cooperative movement, as cooperatives are values and principles-based organizations that are the important components of the SSE. The major milestone of the session was that for the first time, the conclusions adopted by the conference included a conceptual definition of SSE being negotiated within the UN system.
The ICA participated in the 110th session of the International Labour Conference as an Observer and as part of the International Coalition of the SSE (ICSSE) established last year in line with the ICA 2020-2030 Strategic Plan. Mr. Bruno Roelants, ICA Director-General also participated in the ILC committee elaborating the text as an accredited member in the employer’s group and spoke at the beginning of the committee’s work.
The full report by Mr. Roelants can be read here.
