UbuntuMail at the SEWF

Since its launch in 2008, the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) has established itself as a leading international event for social entrepreneurs, policy makers, social investors and support organisations. After being staged in Europe, Australia, Africa and North America, the 2014 edition of the SEWF was held for the first time in Asia - in Seoul, South Korea. This is a region in which social enterprise is developing rapidly and addressing significant social economic and environmental issues.  The mission of SEWF is to unleash the potential of social entrepreneurs and their businesses on the most urgent challenges we face. In whatever part of the world the SEWF takes place, we are always determined to leave a positive and lasting legacy. We have seen the creation of new partnerships, new supportive policies from governments and new investment in building the sector as a result of hosting the SEWF. It is only by coming together, by sharing and learning that we have any hope of finding the answers the world seeks. And of course we know that social capital, as valuable as that is, is not nearly enough, so the dialogue must include private business, investors, public officials, NGOs and communities themselves. Collaboration is critically important in mustering the goodwill and resources required to respond to these challenges Over 1000 people, from over 50 countries, well that makes you feel very much a global citizen and part of this rapidly growing global movement.  Entrepreneurs, activists, organisers, public officials, academics, investors all coming together in our shared belief that a pro-social economy can provide many of the solutions we seek. Well that’s kind of exciting isn’t it? And of course visiting Seoul, seeing how social enterprise is gathering so much momentum, visibility and scale was another great highlight.