The 5th Technical Symposium of the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE) will take place from 3 to 5 December 2025 in Murcia, designated Spain’s Social Economy Capital for 2025.

This international gathering reinforces Spain’s global leadership in promoting the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE). Spain has co-sponsored the UN General Assembly resolutions on SSE for sustainable development adopted in 2023 and 2024, and the symposium is being held during the 2nd UN International Year of Cooperatives.

A key event for the global SSE movement

The Symposium will:

  • Highlight Spain’s leadership in advancing the SSE.
  • Offer UNTFSSE Members and Observers the opportunity to learn from Spain’s rich SSE history and its vibrant ecosystem — particularly in Murcia.
  • Strengthen the UNTFSSE’s role as a critical platform for knowledge exchange and policy dialogue.
  • Support early discussions shaping the UN Secretary-General’s next report on SSE.

RIPESS participation

RIPESS will play an active role through its Executive Secretary, Sandra Moreno, who will participate in two key sessions:

  • Moderator – Session 7: “Emerging Priorities”
     Thursday, 4 December, 15:00–16:00
    A session dedicated to initial reflections for the UN Secretary-General’s 2026 report and the definition of priority measures for 2026–2027.
  • Speaker – Session 9: “Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination”
     Thursday, 4 December, 17:00–18:00
    Sandra Moreno will bring the RIPESS perspective on the role of SSE in advancing gender equality and combating discrimination.

Through this participation, RIPESS reaffirms its commitment to strengthening global SSE policies at a crucial moment for social, economic and ecological transition.

Co-organizers of the Symposium

  • International Labour Organization (ILO), as Chair and Secretariat of the UNTFSSE
  • Ministry of Labour and Social Economy of Spain
  • Government of the Region of Murcia
  • Municipality of Murcia
  • Spanish Confederation of Social Economy Enterprises (CEPES)
  • Union of Worker Cooperatives of the Region of Murcia (UCOMUR)