Pact for Impact is an initiative led by the High Commissioner of Social and Solidarity Economy and Social Innovation of the Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition of France and launched in July 2019 in Paris. It aims to create a Global Alliance that promotes and strengthens the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE), inclusive economy businesses and all stakeholders of social innovation.

The UNGA side-event was co-organized by the French government, Mr. Christophe Itier, High Commissioner for SSE and Social Innovation, and the Spanish government, Ms. Yolanda Valdeolivas, Secretary of State for Employment, Ministry of Employment, Migrations and Social Security. It brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, networks and businesses including UNTFSSE members and observers such as UN Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of Social Solidarity Economy (RIPESS), and Euclid Network.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Muhammad Yunus opened the event and shared his thoughts about social businesses and the path to achieving the SDGs.

During the first round table which focused on the structure, governance and financing of the Global Alliance of the Pact for Impact, Mr. van Vuuren presented highlights of the work of UNTFSSE which is currently chaired by the ILO. He noted the importance of recognizing the role of the SSE in advancing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda at the national, regional and international levels.

Following round tables discussed the development of a road map to achieve concrete commitments toward achieving the SDG, as well as the calendar of events for 2019-2020. The next event of the Pact for Impact will take place in Strasbourg on November 27, organized with the European Economic and Social Committee, the city and the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg (European capital of SSE in 2019).