Dominica is set to host a pivotal two-day regional workshop titled “The Role of Social and Solidarity Economy in Advancing Social Justice.” Organized by the Cooperative Development Division (CDD), the event will convene government officials, cooperative leaders, and technical experts from across the Eastern Caribbean. The workshop aims to foster the exchange of successful practices, develop actionable strategies, and establish priority initiatives to strengthen cooperatives in the agricultural and fisheries sectors. The focus on Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) organizations highlights their critical role in revitalizing rural economies, enhancing social cohesion, and promoting inclusive economic growth. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including outdated legal frameworks, data collection gaps, limited institutional coordination, and restricted access to financial and non-financial support services. The seminar is part of the EUCaN project, funded by the European Union and implemented by FIAP in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Vehicle Association (CPVA), the OECS Commission, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and Dominica’s Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Community Development. Aligned with the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, the event will emphasize the transformative potential of SSE and cooperatives in creating inclusive economic opportunities, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized groups. Key speakers include Gretta Roberts, Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Community Development; representatives from the EU Delegation; Joni T. Musabayana, Director of the Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean at ILO; and Dr. Roxanne Brizan-St. Martin, Programme Director for Health, Social Inclusion, and Social Protection at the OECS Commission. The workshop will also feature presentations on international frameworks and national experiences from the Ministry of Labour and Social Economy of Spain and the Spanish Confederation of Social Economy, exploring legal structures, institutional support systems, and innovative financing models. Expert contributions from organizations like ILO, FAO, IICA, and Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies will provide practical insights into governance, market aggregation, inclusive finance, and climate-resilient practices. Participating countries will present analyses of their cooperative landscapes, identifying legislative gaps, capacity-building needs, data system improvements, and market development opportunities. The CDD emphasized that cooperatives are essential for generating decent work, improving market access for small producers, strengthening community resilience to climate shocks, and enabling shared investment in infrastructure, processing, and logistics.
Dominica to host regional seminar on role of cooperatives in facilitating social equitability
