What is Social Solidarity Economy?
Today, perhaps as never before, more people are becoming aware that capitalism has turned our lives and our planet into a commodity. A system that is environmentally unsustainable and socially unjust, and that it is not able to guarantee the happiness and dignified life conditions of all persons in any place on the planet.
Social Solidarity Economy includes a wide range of practices that span economic, social, environmental, political, communitarian or holistic dimensions.
News—
RIPESS welcomes the adoption of the founding Declaration of the Group of Friends on Social and Solidarity Economy
On 11 June 2026, at the headquarters of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, the inaugural meeting of the Group of Friends on SSE was held, establishing a new intergovernmental space to strengthen international cooperation and reinforce the role of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) in advancing decent work, sustainable development, and social justice. Following the meeting, the [...]
The Member States of the Ibero‑American Community of Nations sign the Ibero‑American Commitment to the Social and Solidarity Economy 2026–2030
The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) movement celebrates an unprecedented institutional achievement in the Ibero‑American region. The 22 member states of the Ibero‑American Community have officially approved the Ibero‑American Commitment to the Social and Solidarity Economy (2026–2030), a strategic roadmap that will guide public policies for the sector over the next four years. The agreement was formally ratified in Avilés [...]
RIPESS participates in the First National Meeting of the Economies for Life Alliance of Colombia
Bogotá, July 30 – August 1, 2026 Colombia is experiencing a decisive moment for the Economies for Life. Across the country, hundreds of community‑based, popular, solidarity‑driven and cooperative processes are strengthening new forms of production, exchange and care that place life at the center. This organizational momentum — spanning food sovereignty, fair trade, cooperativism, mutualism, handicrafts, community tourism, agro‑industry, community [...]
What is RIPESS?
RIPESS is a global network of continental networks committed to the promotion of Social Solidarity Economy. The member networks themselves (Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania) bring together national and sectorial networks, thus ensuring strong territorial anchoring.
The combined local and global scope gives RIPESS legitimacy to promote SSE, foster intercontinental cooperation, and advocate at different levels. RIPESS members believe in the importance of the globalisation of solidarity, and the ability to build and strengthen an economy that places people and planet at the centre of its activities.
