In August 2026, the United Nations published a new report by the Secretary-General dedicated to the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE), entitled ‘Promoting the social and solidarity economy for sustainable development’. The document, identified as A/81/288, responds to General Assembly Resolution 79/213 and analyses the progress made by States and other institutions to promote this economic model. It is the second report by the Secretary-General on the implementation of UN resolutions concerning the SSE.
The report is based on a broad conception of the Social and Solidarity Economy, which includes cooperatives, associations, mutual societies, foundations, social enterprises, self-help groups and other organisations that carry out economic, social and environmental activities aimed at the collective interest. Its characteristics include voluntary cooperation, democratic governance, autonomy, mutual aid and the prioritisation of people and social purpose over capital.
One of the aspects highlighted is the evolution of the institutional recognition of the SSE. In recent years, different countries have developed legal frameworks, national strategies and public programmes aimed at supporting organisations in this sector. In this regard, it cites the examples of Brazil, Costa Rica and Spain. The report, however, points out that progress remains uneven, with more indications of the adoption of formal measures than of effective implementation and lasting results.
The document pays particular attention to areas such as social innovation, improving statistics relating to the SSE, cooperation between States on good practices, and the incorporation of the SSE into multilateral processes and into the programming of the United Nations development system.
Among the challenges is the continuing lack of resources or funding. The report acknowledges that Governments have expanded financial and non-financial support measures, and several multilateral and regional financial institutions have launched relevant operations, but relatively few financial institutions address the social and solidarity economy as a distinct area requiring instruments adapted to its nature and diversity.
Some measures are specifically aimed at SSE entities, while others are included among broader groups of beneficiaries. Information on financing conditions, the entities ultimately reached and the results obtained remains limited.
The preparation of the report involved the participation of the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE), coordinated by the International Labour Organization (ILO). During the process, contributions were requested from Member States, United Nations agencies, financial institutions and other organisations. The call requested information on policies, results, good practices, difficulties and recommendations.
The report will be presented and discussed next September 25 at the Auditorium of the Instituto Cervantes in New York, in a session that can be followed online. The session will also feature a ministerial dialogue involving participants in the new United Nations Group of Friends of the Social and Solidarity Economy. https://www.youtube.com/live/Uv3wJEu2Ixs
