After meetings in Lima in 1997, Québec in 2001, Dakar in 2005 and Luxembourg in 2009, it is now Asia’s turn.
Every four years, organizations and practitioners of the social solidarity economy, community economic development, fair trade, microfinance and others have met as part of the Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of the Social Solidarity Economy (RIPESS) to discuss and debate how to strengthen our practices, and how to promote our alternatives as a response to the numerous crises, including climate, that we are facing.
This year, they will meet in Manila, Philippines on October 15-18. The overall theme selected for the 5th Meeting is Building Social Solidarity Economy as an Alternative Model of Development. The complete program, with specific themes is posted on line.
CCEDNet has been a member and active participant in RIPESS since 2002. In particular, we have been represented on the board by Michael Lewis (to 2005) and Ethel Côté (2005-2009).
A good number of members attended the meetings in 2005 and 2009. We would like to send a strong group to Manila as well.
We are currently soliciting contributions to a dedicated fund that will allow us to send 3 to 5 people. If ever the funds collected exceeded our requirements, we will put out a call for more participants.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Mike Toye
Executive Director
Yvon Poirier
International Committee Chair
