Yang Geumhee, Gyeongbuk Vice Governor for Economic Affairs: "Social Economy Will Be the Driving Force of the New Local Era"

Commemorative Event Held for Company Employees and Others
Special Lecture by Kim Jonggeol, Professor at Hanyang University

On the 2nd, North Gyeongsang Province held a commemorative event for Social Economy Week at the multipurpose hall of Anmin Hall in the provincial government office, under the theme "With a New (:SE) Heart and a New (:SE) Mind."

This event was organized to mark 'Social Enterprise Day' and 'Cooperative Day,' aiming to raise awareness among residents about the meaning and value of the social economy and to foster communication and unity among practitioners and stakeholders. The event featured a variety of programs, including a commemorative ceremony, exhibition and experience booths, and special events.

Yang Geumhee, Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs, Gyeongbuk Province

The commemorative ceremony, which began with a performance by the vocal ensemble La Classe, invited over 100 participants, including employees of social economy enterprises and officials from related organizations in the province, to share the achievements of the social economy in North Gyeongsang Province.

Additionally, the event featured a presentation of a successful case by Lee Minbok, CEO of Hyangginaneunsaramdeul, who operates the social franchiser He's Beans Cafe, where communication between people with and without disabilities leads to healing and recovery. There was also a special lecture by Professor Kim Jonggeol (Department of Global Social Economy, Hanyang University) on the topic "A Breakthrough for the Future of the Korean Economy: Local Communities and the Social Economy," emphasizing that the social economy is the key to overcoming polarization and leading sustainable development.

Prior to the commemorative ceremony, side events were held in which 20 social economy enterprises participated to exhibit and introduce outstanding products. There were also experience booths where participants could make bath bombs, foot soaks, and natural beeswax candles, as well as an ESG practice event that offered free beverages to those who brought reusable containers, providing various opportunities to experience the social economy in everyday life.

Company representatives and others attending the social economy commemorative event held at the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Office gather together for a commemorative photo.

Yang Geumhee, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of North Gyeongsang Province, said, "In an era where local communities must develop their own capabilities, the social economy?where we solve problems together through cooperation?is the driving force for a new era for the provinces." She added, "Taking this event as an opportunity, we will work to establish an organic cooperation system among social economy actors and focus on discovering, supporting, and nurturing projects so that the social economy can play its proper role in revitalizing the region and achieving sustainable development."