Global Rural Social Enterprise Network – Inaugural Meeting
Following the official launch of the Rural Social Enterprise Manifesto by the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), we were able to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Global Rural Social Enterprise Network, hosted by SEWF and the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE).
The Rural Social Enterprise Manifesto, “Unlocking the Power of Social Enterprise”, is a visionary document crafted to address the unique challenges and opportunities in rural areas. Initiated by the SEWF and ACRE, its development involved extensive global consultations with social entrepreneurs, activists and community leaders from more than 100 organisations from 35 countries. The Manifesto outlines 11 ways in which policy makers can accelerate sustainable and enterprising rural communities by highlighting the critical role of social enterprises in driving innovation, promoting sustainability and ensuring fairness in rural communities. It also advocates for practical solutions that empower these areas to thrive while addressing key social, environmental and economic challenges. By focusing on collaboration and long-term impact, the Rural Social Enterprise Manifesto aims to unlock the full potential of rural social enterprises.
The meeting held on 14th November 2024, was the very first Global Rural Social Enterprise Network meeting hosted by the SEWF. People from across the globe, spanning various time zones – including United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Uganda, India and Malaysia – came together online to discuss ongoing activities and share insights. This diverse gathering highlighted the collective commitment to collaboration, despite geographical and temporal differences.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for participants to share ideas and insights from a global perspective, with the primary focus on exploring the question: ‘What key areas of interest should we concentrate on and collaborate on together?’ This collaborative approach allowed individuals from diverse backgrounds to reflect on common challenges and priorities, aiming to build a collective vision for the future of rural social enterprises and strengthen international partnerships in addressing global issues.
The discussion highlighted several important areas for focus. These included green energy and reaching net-zero emissions, building local food systems, scaling efforts for environmental protection, land restoration and tree planting. Addressing rural depopulation, sustainable tourism, the role of technology, involving young people, promoting agriculture and adding value to local resources were some other important themes that emerged during the discussions. The participants also agreed on the importance of arts for their role in community wellbeing, and digital marketing and branding were identified as key areas to develop further.