Governments around the world should back the social economy as they look to lay the foundations for a strong, sustainable recovery. Global challenges such as the pandemic, climate change, and digitalisation are reshaping our world and demand novel solutions. The social economy is ready to step up and deliver.
Earlier this year, we marvelled as billionaire entrepreneurs Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos reached for the stars through trial launches of rockets developed by Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin. In many ways, their race represents popular perceptions of entrepreneurship – the expression of a drive that is ambitious, competitive, innovative, and…. male.
It needn’t be that way.
By working together – as civil society, governments and businesses – we can help young people face the challenges of work, gender equality, the green transition, and the future of business; and empower them to create and seize new opportunities.
C’est en mobilisant les acteurs et les talents de la société civile, aux côtés et en complémentarité des gouvernements et des collectivités publiques, que nous pourrons relever ensemble ces formidables défis que représentent aujourd’hui l’emploi et l’émancipation des jeunes, l’égalité femme-hommes, la transition écologique ou encore l’avenir de l’entreprise.
Countries around the world continue to grapple with the economic and social emergency caused by the pandemic. But looking ahead, this year’s Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day—on 27 June—provides an opportunity to embrace SMEs and entrepreneurship as the driving force behind our recovery.
A year ago, entrepreneurs and small business owners found themselves in unchartered waters. Faced with unprecedented restrictions on their activity, the pandemic forced many to close their businesses and turn to governments for support for the first time. Early hopes of a swift recovery after lockdowns were lifted quickly proved to be a false dawn when the pandemic returned in second and third waves. Some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs were able to adapt and seize new opportunities…
