The social economy encompasses those private economic activities that benefit both the individuals who initiate them and society as a whole.
The Luxembourg Declaration, adopted at the Luxembourg Conference in December 2015, establishes that the European Union must reach a common understanding of the scope of the social economy. This declaration advocates for respecting the enormous diversity of the social economy in the Union, whilst also defending its inclusion in the process of modernising the Single Market Strategy. As part of the development of these agreements, the Spanish social economy capital emerged as an initiative driven by the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy, in collaboration with the social economy sector.
Toledo was the first city to hold this title in 2020, followed by Teruel in 2021, Santiago de Compostela in 2022, San Sebastián (Donostia) in 2023 . The designation of Valencia as the Spanish capital of the social economy represents an opportunity to promote a fairer, more egalitarian, participatory and inclusive economy in the Valencian Community, placing people at the centre.
The initiative’s main objectives are:
- To raise visibility of the social economy in Spain, promoting experiences, debates and viable alternatives.
- To foster entrepreneurship and quality employment in the sector.
- To highlight its role in the integration of disadvantaged groups.
- To boost its local dimension for territorial cohesion and against rural depopulation.
It is no coincidence that Valencia is one of the localities with the greatest ECOnGOOD presence in Spain. The Valencian Association was founded in 2015 with the conviction that an Economy for the Common Good (ECG) is essential to achieve a fairer, more responsible, egalitarian, respectful and humanised society. It brings together members of the Local Chapters of Alicante, Castellón and Valencia, formed by volunteers from various sectors of society, who are involved and committed to the idea that a change in current economic paradigms is not only possible, but necessary.
The Association also has a Chair of Economy for the Common Good at the University of Valencia. This project is driven by the University of Valencia and the Valencian Government. Through this Chair, activities such as conferences, seminars, courses, workshops and congresses are organised, as well as constant work on dissemination, research and publications.
If you are interested in this topic:
- Discover the Valencian ECOnGOOD Association
- Attend the Ibero-American Meeting “Building a Sustainable Future: Social Economy and Common Good”, scheduled from 22nd to 24th November 2024 in Valencia (remote participation available for Latin American attendees)
- Learn more about the Spanish Capital of the Social Economy 2024.