The European Social Economy Awards 2021 will recognise social economy enterprises and organisations that support and enrich communities by making a contribution to society in tackling some of today’s biggest societal, environmental, economic and technological challenges. The Awards aim at raising the visibility of the social economy, in its whole diversity and across various sectors and countries, with a European focus (including partner countries from the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership, Turkey, the Southern Mediterranean and the Russian Federation). The Awards will also serve as inspiration to other social economy actors, public authorities and citizens aiming at becoming entrepreneurs, activists and change-makers. These prestigious Social Economy Awards will have three categories:
- Social Innovation: Including organisations which work towards the inclusion of individuals at risk of social exclusion, people with disabilities, migrants, individuals far from the labour market; and/or organisations providing innovative social services of general interest and solutions to societal issues.
- Green Transition: For organisations working towards a Green and Just Transition, while upholding the values of the social economy. This can include renewable energy, housing, sustainable mobility, the circular economy, water management, sustainable food production, environmental and ecological education and actvism among many others areas.
- Digitalisation and Skills: For organisations working on upskilling and reskilling of social economy employees, potential entrepreneurs, students etc. This category also embraces social economy initiatives operating in the digital economy or with an important focus on technological innovation.
A jury formed by social economy experts, researchers, policy makers and representatives of EU Institutions will select two finalists for each category. One member of each organisation selected as finalists will be invited for to the ceremony on October 12 in Slovenia, in the framework of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council.
Social Economy Europe President, Juan Antonio Pedreño has declared:
After more than a year of global pandemic, we still face a complex scenario but with strong reasons to have hope in the future. Collectively, the social economy comunity has done a lot to provide solutions, solidarity and relief during these unprecedented times. We have never stopped putting our energy, creativity and entrepreneurial spririt at the service of an economy that works for people and the planet and a citizens’ led green and digital transitions. In this context, from SEE we believe that we have reasons to celebrate our collective achievements and boost their visibility. This is why SEE Geneal Assembly has decided to introduce the first edition of the European Social Economy Awards.
In this key year for the future of the EU Social Economy, SEE calls on social economy enterprises and institutions engaged in the promotion of the social economy to support these first edition of the EU Social Economy Awards by becoming sponsors. Should you be interested in becoming a sponsor of the EU Social Economy Awards, please send an e-mail to director@socialeconomy.eu.org.
