The Espriu Foundation participates in a training session on the Social Economy and the 2030 Agenda

During the event, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in which the social economy plays the most significant role were highlighted and lines of work and priorities were identified to involve this business model in meeting all the SDGs.

The cooperative model, key to health and well-being

José Pérez, Deputy Director of the Espriu Foundation, took part in the roundtable discussion “Reference experiences of the social economy in meeting the SDGs”.

He drew attention to the fact that the entities making up the Espriu Foundation help fulfil SDG 3, which deals with Health and Well-being, providing more than 2.2 million people with healthcare through an innovative approach, focused on future health challenges. Likewise, the principles and values of the cooperative model enable the development of social medicine which contributes to the sustainability of the healthcare system.

However, this contribution is not limited to the field of health alone. Goals such as quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, as well as responsible production and consumption are also part of the Espriu Foundation's commitment to the 2030 Agenda.

The role of the social economy

In September 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda, the aim of which is to generate global economic growth compatible with the health of the planet, ensuring a fairer distribution of wealth and offering better life opportunities to all through the achievement of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The social economy business model, based on participation, solidarity and meeting people's needs, promotes inclusive development that transforms the community where these companies emerge and responds to global challenges at the same time.

The social economy plays a leading role in the main state initiatives adopted to fulfil the 2030 Agenda at both international and state levels.  The Spanish Social Economy Strategy 2017-2020 is one of the "leverage" policies that the Government included in its "Action Plan for the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda: Towards a Spanish Strategy for Sustainable Development" for its capacity to expedite the implementation of the SDGs. In addition, the social economy is a private sector player recognised in the Spanish Development Cooperation policies at the heart of the 2030 Agenda.