The UNTFSSE is proud to inform that the World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its membership to the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE). This significant step marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration aimed at enhancing the implementation of the United Nations General Assembly resolution “Promoting the Social and Solidarity Economy for Sustainable Development” (A/77/281).

The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) includes entities engaged in economic, social, and environmental activities to serve the collective and general interest. These entities, which vary depending on national contexts, include cooperatives, associations, mutual societies, foundations, social enterprises, self-help groups, and others operating under the values and principles of the SSE. Globally, the SSE plays a vital role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, contributing to an inclusive, job-rich, resilient, and sustainable recovery.

Dr. Faten Ben Abdelaziz, Enhanced Well-being Unit Head, Health Promotion Department, WHO, emphasized that joining the UNTFSSE is a strategic move to integrate health and well-being considerations into the broader framework of the SSE and aligns with the Unit’s portfolio on creating well-being societies through fairer, equitable and sustainable economic models. “Health and well-being are  critical component to sustainable development. By taking part and contributing to the UNTFSSE, we aim to promote health equity and strengthen health systems through the innovative and inclusive approaches that the Social and Solidarity Economy embodies.”

Ms. Simel Esim, Co-Chair of UNTFSSE and Head of the Cooperative Social and Solidarity Economy at the ILO, welcomed WHO’s membership, noting that it strengthens the task force’s capacity to address health-related challenges through SSE initiatives. “Integrating health into the SSE framework is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This is evidenced by the recent ILC resolution concerning decent work in the care economy, which refers to cooperatives, community-based initiatives and the SSE. WHO’s expertise will be invaluable in advancing our shared objectives.”

Ms. Chantal Line Carpentier, Co-Chair of the UNTFSSE and Head of Trade Environment Climate Change and Sustainable Development at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), further highlighted the synergy between health and the SSE -with many SSE entities providing affordable health services to the most vulnerable – and stressing the importance of WHO’s involvement in creating a conducive environment for policies and institutions in support of SSE entities at regional and national levels. “WHO’s membership reflects a growing recognition among UN Entities of the invaluable role of SSE in achieving the three dimensions of sustainable development”.

About the UNTFSSE: The UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE) aims to raise the visibility of Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) within the UN system and beyond. The Members and Observers of the Task Force have committed to undertake collaborative activities to enhance the visibility of SSE entities, promote knowledge exchange, establish enabling institutional frameworks, and bolster international cooperation in accordance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

About WHO: The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, WHO works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. WHO’s goal is to ensure that a billion more people have universal health coverage, to protect a billion more people from health emergencies, and provide a further billion people with better health and well-being