RIPESS INTERCONTINENTAL ANNUAL REPORT - 2014 Progress report & perspectives Adopted by the Board of RIPESS on January 15 th, 2015 FIRST SECTION: PROGRESS REPORT - OUTCOMES AND CHALLENGES FOR 2014 1. RIPESS, its vision, mission and structure RIPESS mission is to build and promote the social solidarity economy (SSE), which takes into account the social and ethical dimension in all its economic activities. The network works to put forth SSE as an alternative and holistic economic model in light of the multifold ongoing crisis - environmental, social, economic and civilizational. RIPESS is a network that connects five continental networks throughout the world: (RIPESS-LAC, RIPESS-EU, RIPESS-NA, RAESS and ASEC), which in turn bring together national and sectoral networks. RIPESS believes in the importance of global solidarity to build and strengthen an economy that puts people and planet front and center. The network organizes global forums every four years and is a nexus for learning, information sharing and international collaboration. 2. Agreement between RIPESS and FPH The purpose of the convention n 12-339 signed by FPH and COMMACT on behalf of RIPESS was to ensure the direction of RIPESS Intercontinental in 2014. Half the amount has been allocated to the continental networks to support their development, and the rest was allocated to the development of intercontinental network. Since strengthening the continental networks is a primary goal of RIPESS, the present report includes elements about the activities carried out on both an intercontinental and a continental basis. The agreement concerned the following axes of work: communications (internal and external) and promotion of the network; SSE in the global economy; education, training and research; global vision at the international level; public policies; linkages and alliances with other social movements and participation in international meetings. 3. Overview of RIPESS activities in 2014: outcomes and challenges The Board of RIPESS met in Marrakech, in April, 2014, at the occasion of the 3 rd meeting of the African Network of Social and Solidarity Economy (RAESS). The meeting was an opportunity to reflect on the network s modes of action and to evaluate its activities so as to inform the next steps. A full review of activities of the last two years was done. 1
RIPESS adopted on this occasion a two-year action plan laying out its priorities around 9 axes, to be implemented by 4 working groups: - Global Vision and Capacity-Building - Relationships, visibility/recognition, UN process and public policies - Networking and Mapping - Communications 3.1 Communications (internal and external) and promotion of the network Special attention was taken in 2014 to giving more visibility to the news of the local and regional networks within RIPESS. The website was adapted to new electronic platforms such as smartphones, and a RSS feed was put in place to gather news from the SSE networks and related organisations. The RSS feed has over 100 news items each week. There is work underway to improve the frequency and fluidity of communications between continental networks and the intercontinental level. However, we have not been able to reactivate newsletters. This has just been decided, and will be undertaken soon. Two reasons explain this delay. The most important is that the opportunities for RIPESS to intervene at the UN and collaborate with different UN Agencies took up a much of the time of the former Operations manager Daniel Tygel. After his contract ended on April 30, 2014, Éva Mascolo-Fortin was selected as the new Operations manager and started work in August. Since there were three month with no staff, this slowed down activities. In 2014, in each continent, the networking has continued on a regular basis. Continental meetings were held in person (Africa and Europe). In other continents, meetings of the coordination committees of the network were held, online or in person. In the later part of 2014, all continents adopted Action plans articulated around the 9 axis of the workplan adopted by the Board in Marrakesh. 3.2 SSE in the world economy - Bringing the voice of SSE networks to international institutions SSE recommendations on the Post-2015 development agenda In 2013-2014, RIPESS carried out a year-long consultation with global and grassroots organizations from all continents, which involved thousands of groups involved in SSE, to collectively develop recommendations with regard to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be negotiated and adopted by the UN Member States in 2015. The RIPESS recommendations received in one week about 500 endorsements from organisations in nearly 70 different countries. On July 3 rd, RIPESS officially delivered and presented the recommendations at the 2 nd Meeting of the High Level Political Forum of the United Nations in New York. Daniel Tygel was invited to speak on behalf of civil society at this meeting with country delegations, including ambassadors. The document was distributed to at least 120 country delegations in attendance. 2
Advocacy work at the United Nations level RIPESS was granted with observer status with the United Nations in September, 2014. This accreditation with UNCTAD will provide RIPESS with new opportunities to bring the voice of SSE networks into the dialogues of civil society and government representatives. Since its creation in September 2013, RIPESS participates as an observer in the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy (TFSSE). The task force, which brings together 19 UN agencies and inter-governmental organizations and five associations of SSE networks including RIPESS. The TFSSE was set up to raise the visibility of the SSE in international policy circles. RIPESS actively participates in the TFSSE meetings and promoted the idea of periodic dialogue events with SSE practitioners and the UN agencies. RIPESS made contributions to the first TFSSE Position paper on Social and Solidarity Economy and the Challenge of Sustainable Development, and to the forthcoming position paper on Financing for Development. Representatives of RIPESS were also present at these international events to present the views of the network: - Side-event Social and Solidarity Economy for Improved Food Security and Nutrition, with the TFSSE for the 41 st session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), Rome, October 17. - Annual meeting of the United Nations with the international financial institutions (IFIs) and civil society. Washington D.C., session What are effective approaches to operational collaboration with civil society? How can financial institutions support actors in the SSE, November 17-18. Linkages and alliances RIPESS has been invited to join the International Leading Group on SSE that was created by the government of France and the Mont-Blanc Meetings (MB) group. The group now has six countries involved. Besides MBM, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and a couple of other associations are members. This ILG held a 1 st meeting at the UN in NYC, September 22, 2014. RIPESS sent a letter in October agreeing to join the Leading Group. A positive answer is expected. RIPESS wishes to act in the ILG as a nexus between its members and the Leading Group so as to increase the links between the state participants and the national SSE networks of the countries involved (i.e. MES in France; REMESS in Morocco; MESSE in Ecuador; MNTCS in Colombia; INEES in Luxemburg; Chantier and GESQ in the Quebec province). RIPESS representatives were present at various international meetings, including the Global Social Economy Forum (GSEF), Seoul, South Korea (November 17-19), the World Forum on Human Rights, Morocco (November 27-30) and to the National Conference of Solidarity Economy - CONAES III, Brazil (November 28). It was deemed a priority a Marrakech to increase the work done by RIPESS to build strategic alliances with organizations and social movements that do not necessarily 3
identify with SSE, but who share common analysis on various issues: eg. social movements promoting food sovereignty, a fair international taxation, working on the impacts of further trade liberalization and so on, so as to increase the knowledge of SSE and have other social movements feeling as part of the SSE movement. 3.3 Education, training and research No new activity on these axes has been undertaken in 2014 on an intercontinental basis. The collaboration with RELIESS and Socioeco is maintained. The Workgroup on Global vision and Capacity building has recently adopted a plan for education and training for the 2015 and beyond. 3.4 Global vision The finishing touches on the Global Vision paper took more time than expected. The document is soon to be released. The lack of inadequate resources for translation also explains the delays. Translation of the Post-2015 SDGs documents were prioritized. 3.5 Public policies Among advances to note this year, the adoption of the Politique nationale de promotion de l ESS (PNESS) last October 9 in Mali is particularly noteworthy. After nearly four years of hard work, the Réseau national d appui à l ESS (RENAPESS) of Mali succeeded to have the Council of ministers adopting this national policy, which has been co-constructed by the network and the government. 3.6 Linkages and alliances with other movements and international meetings The information on this item was included in section 3.2 SSE in the world economy Conclusion - A global appreciation By far, the most important achievement of RIPESS over the last years has been the recognition of the potential of SSE by UN institutions. Even if other SSE organisations have been involved, there is indisputable evidence that without the existence of RIPESS as an international network with roots in at least 50 countries, this would not have been possible. The recognition of the potential of SSE for sustainable development by 19 UN Agencies is a huge achievement. We would not have even imagined this 10 or even 5 years ago. Our credibility as an organisation at the service of people and communities around the world certainly explains why RIPESS was invited to speak at the UN in July and at the International financial institutions-civil society dialogue in November. These opportunities became important priorities at the intercontinental level. This explains in part delays on other action items such as publishing a regular newsletter or finalising the Global vision document. 4
1) Strengthening the network SECOND PART: PERSPECTIVES FOR 2015-2019 The ongoing process of building and reinforcing both the continental networks and their intercontinental articulation will be pursued in the years leading to the 6 th International Meeting of Social Solidarity Economy, to take place in 2017 in Latin America. The network will count among its main priorities to strengthen RIPESS capacity to intervene at the global level, so that the grassroots can improve their capacity to access development tools that are needed, including financing from international sources. On an internal note, efforts will be pursued in the next years to diversifying the sources of income of the intercontinental network to scale-up RIPESS activities and engage further in the process of strengthening the network presence through advocacy, capacity-building and communications. 2) Alliance Building Construction and strengthening of alliances and collaborations, both within and outside SSE, will be an important priority for RIPESS. Common grounds of analysis and action with many social movements (eg. movements engaged for women equality, food sovereignty, ecological, social and economic transition and others) can be consolidated. The Board is also considering adding two axes of work on women and youth. Our involvement in the Post-2015 preparatory process has linked us with different international networks such as People s Goals, Beyond 2015 and Third World Network. This has also connected us with many other movements such as people working on Financing for Development (FfD) like Eurodad, Latindad, Social Watch and many others. The TFSSE has also connected RIPESS indirectly to organisations such as the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) and the MBM group. Some members of RIPESS have regular exchanges with WFTO and INAISE. 3) Priorities for action Positioning SSE as a key pathway to sustainable development in the post-2015 development agenda RIPESS will continue its active engagement with the negotiation process of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to form the foundations of the international development agenda after 2015. With the TFSSE Position paper we have the momentum for scaling up the recognition of SSE into official channels and put forth SSE as a pathway to sustainable development. RIPESS seeks in this process to act as a nexus between its members and international development actors, in order to promote a better understanding of SSE by international agencies, and help SSE networks to connect with 5
the latter. After the adoption of the Post-2015 SDGs by the UN in September 2015, we will develop and promote SSE as a fundamental approach to implement the 17 Goals. Participation in the UN TFSSE and in the International Leading Group on SSE will be a continuous activity. The TFSSE has agreed with a RIPESS proposal to have UN Agencies and Civil Society dialogues at the occasion of RIPESS continental meetings. Capacity-Building, SSE Education and Mapping - SSE Educators Forum (2015-2016): This initiative will be aimed at building and strengthening connections amongst SSE Educators for exchange and collaboration, sharing experiences, best practices, tools and curriculum. Building on the Global Vision document and using webinars and other electronic tools for communications, the Forum will be a space for connecting capacity-building initiatives and favouring the expansion of the RIPESS network through reaching out to new groups involved in SSE education. - Mapping as a key educational, networking and communications tools will be a key area of work of RIPESS in the next five years. RIPESS will continue its work with the ESSGlobal initiative on the development of interoperability standards, and act as a channel for connecting different mapping initiatives (both thematic and/or regional). Supporting the work done by the continental networks to reinforce their capacities and presence in the regions. Continental networking will be a key focus for the next two years. This work is to be realized within continental networks. - Africa. The next continental meeting is planned in Mali in May or June 2016. - Asia. The next continental meeting is planned for 2016 in the Philippines. This will also be a global meeting on the theme of social finance. UN Agencies and INAISE will be participating. - Europe. A continental meeting will be held in Berlin in September 2015. UN Agencies will participate in a dialogue on the impacts of trade agreements on SSE. The network also plans to release in 2015 the results of its investigation on the stateof-the-art of SSE in Europe. - Latin America. The next RIPESS LAC continental meeting will be held in Nicaragua in April 2016, on the theme of SSE and food sovereignty. - North America. A first RIPESS North American conference is planned to be held in Detroit in March 2016. Communications: the working group of RIPESS on communications is currently undergoing a process of evaluation so as to improve the communications work done at the internal and external level. Improving the work done with social media and reactivating an intercontinental newsletter are among the main actions to be carried out. 6
INTERCONTINENTAL NETWORK FOR THE PROMOTION OF SOCIAL SOLIDARITY ECONOMY (RIPESS) FINANCIAL STATEMENT April 1 2014 to March 31 2015 www.ripess.org
The following financial statements for the Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of Social Solidarity Economy (RIPESS) have been prepared by the Common Wealth Network for People-Centred Development (COMMACT International) which has a mandate from the Board of Directors of RIPESS to receive and manage funds for and on behalf of RIPESS.
Financial Statements RIPESS 2014-2015 BALANCE SHEET As of 31 March 2015 Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of Social Solidarity Economy (RIPESS) ASSETS (in Euros) Bank - Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Australia 33,192.27 TOTAL ASSETS 33,192.27 LIABILITIES (in Euros) Amount payable to a member network Note 6 10,000.00 Net Assets 23,192.27
INCOME AND EXPENSES STATEMENT 1st April 2014-31st March 2015 Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of Social Solidarity Economy (RIPESS) INCOME (in Euros) Actual Budget Grant (Foundation pour le Progres de L'Homme) Note 2 100,000.00 100,000.00 Total Income 100,000.00 100,000.00 EXPENSES (in Euros) Salary and Benefits 20,000.00 Salary and Operations Manager Note 3 13,500.00 Incidental costs 270.00 Sub-Total 13,770.00 Board Meetings Note 4 9,778.48 25,000.00 Sub-Total 9,778.48 Contributions to Continental Networks Note 5 40,000.00 50,000.00 Unpaid contribution to continental network Note 6 10,000.00 Sub total 50,000.00 Other 5,000.00 Representation Expenses 2,107.00 Printing and Promotion 928.91 Administrative 23.00 Electronic transfer and account fees 200.34 Sub-total 3,259.25 Total Expenses 76,807.73 76,807.73 Surplus 23,192.27
NOTES Note 1 The Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of Social Solidarity Economy (RIPESS) is registered in Canada (Province of Quebec) as a non-profit. Registration #1161999470 issued January 28, 2004. The RIPESS Board of Directors passed a resolution on April 28, 2014 giving a mandate to COMMACT International Limited, to manage the funds. COMMACT International Limited is a not for profit company registered in Australia on 22 October 2007, Australian Company Number (ACN) 128 117 626 and Australian Business Number (ABN) 37 128 117 626 and has its Registered Office in Melbourne, Australia. Note 2 The Foundation for the Progress of Humankind (FPH) provided a grant of 100 000 Euros for 2014-2015 and is renewing this grant for the same amount per year, for the next three years (2015-2018). Note 3 The position of Operations Manager was not filled from April 1 st to August 3 2014 Note 4 Two Board meetings were originally planned for the financial year ended on 31 March, 2015. Finally, only one was held in Marrakesh in April 2014. Note 5 The 50 000 Euros was allocated in the following manner: Asia Solidarity Economy Council (ASEC) 10 000 RAESS (Africa) 10 000 RIPESS Europe 10 000 RIPESS Latin America and Caribbean 10 000 RIPESS North America 10 000 NB. There is no allocation for Oceania Note 6 The 10 000 Euros for RIPESS LAC were not transferred before March 31 2015.