Promotion of social economy in Armenia focus of OSCE event in Yerevan

As part of the celebrations to mark the 100^th anniversary of the establishment of the International Labour Organization and of the OSCE project “Economic Empowerment of Women in Syunik region and other regions of Armenia”, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and the Republican Union of Employers of Armenia (RUEA) co-organized the event “Leaving no one behind: Promoting social economy for an inclusive and prosperous Armenia” on 30 October 2019 in Yerevan.

Discussions at the event focused on promoting financial stability and social cohesion through more effective eco-systems for social enterprises.

Some 80 national and international experts, high-level public officials from relevant ministries, economic and social partners, civil society representatives and social entrepreneurs attended the event. They considered ways to unlock the potential of social economy in Armenia as a relevant approach in supporting the socioeconomic inclusion of groups at risk of marginalization, especially women. 

Karine Sujayan, Head of the Human Rights and Humanitarian Issues Department, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “The Armenian government is strongly engaged in promoting social economy as an integral part of its agenda on sustainable economic development, with a special emphasis on the financial inclusion of women and youth. The OSCE has been a key player in supporting women’s economic empowerment in Armenia.” 

The Deputy Co-ordinator of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Ermelinda Meksi, emphasized the relevance of inclusive development for security. “There is growing recognition that there is a more sustainable way of doing business. In addressing social challenges with an entrepreneurial approach, social enterprises contribute to more prosperous, cohesive and secure societies. The OSCE stands ready to support the Government of Armenia in promoting equal opportunities for women in the economic sphere and supporting enhanced dialogue on social economy in Armenia”.   

Gagik Makaryan, President of the Republican Union of Employers in Armenia (RUEA), put forward concrete suggestions to enhance the development of the social economy sector, including promoting specific services for social entrepreneurs at local level, particularly women, supporting measures to facilitate access to credit for social entrepreneurs, offering ad hoc training and capacity-building opportunities. “Our organization is ready to collaborate with the OSCE and the Armenian government in a number of areas to allow social entrepreneurs to unlock their economic potential.”

The project on “Economic Empowerment of Women in Syunik region and other regions of Armenia” is part of the OCEEA’s long-term engagement to reduce socio-economic disparities in the OSCE and implemented with the financial support of Finland, Italy, Norway, Slovakia and the United States of America.