Decent work and the social and solidarity economy

In March 2021, at its 341st Session, the Governing Body decided to place on the agenda of the 110th Session (2022) of the International Labour Conference an item related to decent work and the social and solidarity economy (SSE), for general discussion.

That decision has paved the way for what will be the first comprehensive discussion on the SSE at the ILO. Although the SSE is not new, its policy importance and visibility have grown significantly since the turn of the century. The ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization (2008) recognizes a strong social economy as critical to sustainable economic development and employment opportunities. The ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work (2019) acknowledges the role of the SSE in generating decent work, productive employment and improved living standards for all. The ILO’s global call to action for a human-centred recovery from the COVID-19 crisis that is inclusive, sustainable and resilient (2021) recognizes the role of the SSE for a broad-based, job-rich recovery with decent work opportunities for all. It is therefore timely to discuss the value added of the SSE and its role in advancing social justice through decent work and in promoting sustainable development.

ILO website