Next stop: New Zealand

Written by HELENE MALANDAIN

Since its 2008 debut in Scotland, the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) has supported the development of the global social enterprise movement. A three-day festival accommodating delegates from all over the world, SEWF is an essential event for anyone passionate about addressing the challenges and inequality of our complex and interconnected world. Focused on the needs of people leading and working in social enterprise but welcoming a wider mix of supporteers and organisations, the forum is an opportunity to share insights on practice, debate policy, and inspire one another towards positive change.

New Zealand’s social enterprise sector is growing rapidly, in both scale and sophistication. The country now has social enterprises working in a diverse range of sectors, regions and impact areas. We’re looking forward to the progress that can be made in all these areas with the input of experienced global social enterprise professionals coming to New Zealand from across the world.

Christchurch, New Zealand’s most resilient city, is a natural choice to welcome the event. After being crippled by a series of catastrophic earthquakes in 2011, Christchurch is a city reconstructing itself on every level and it has become an international model of community resilience and innovation – characteristics at the heart of social enterprise.

The theme for SEWF 2017 is “Ka koroki te manu – creating our tomorrow”. Derived from a traditional Maori prayer about the birdsongs of the morning chorus, the theme refers to a wake- up call and welcome to the challenges and glories of a new day.

The Ākina Foundation supports the development of social enterprise as a vehicle to bring about lasting social change. Chief executive Alex Hannant believes that bringing the forum to Christchurch will be catalytic in helping New Zealand think more strategically about how to build the future of the sector.

“Hosting the SEWF in New Zealand in 2017 is an opportunity to further accelerate the development of our emerging social enterprise sector. It will give us exposure to the best international practice and strengthen relationships with the global movement. It also gives us an opportunity to convene our sector and develop a cohesive and ambitious strategy for the future,” says Hannant.

More than 1,200 delegates are expected to attend SEWF 2017, which will be innovative in design and cater to all interests and levels of knowledge. The programme will give delegates a chance to personalise their experience, with multiple streams and activities to choose from. The forum will bring together people working in social enterprise from around the world, and diversity will be celebrated. The participative format of the event will aim to inform, inspire and educate, prioritising the sharing of real stories and insights, and learning from each other.

“We know the dawn of every day is ripe with opportunity – a chance to create, explore, innovate or simply just try again. SEWF 2017 will be about the potential of this future and our responsibility to seize it,” says Hannant.

“Backed by Christchurch’s spirit of making the best out of forced disruption, this year’s theme is a call-to-action – an invitation to create a global legacy of positive change and to take an active role in shaping the world’s future. Just as the first birdsong welcomes the potential of tomorrow, SEWF 2017 will be a chance to come together and explore the endless possibility in ours.”

Don’t miss out on this event and the opportunity to discover the heart of New Zealand’s South Island and its dramatic natural landscapes! For more information, visit www.sewf2017.org.

Helene Malandain is project director of the Social Enterprise World Forum 2017. The event is being held in partnership with SAP, Kiwibank, New Zealand Post, Clemenger BBDO, Russell McVeagh and many more partners and supporters.