By Prof. Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria

There was a renewed interest post-COVID-19 to explore alternative economic models of development which establish a balance between economic, social and environmental concerns,in light of the adoption of 2030 Agenda on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on 25 Sept 2015.

The vulnerability of many communities particularly migrant workers, indigenous people, women operators of micro-businesses and other socially excluded sectors during troubled times require new ways of generating and redistributing wealth so as to ensure no one is left
behind.

A major breakthrough in the search for alternative economic models took place with the promotion of the social solidarity economy (SSE) by the International Labor Organization (ILO) with the aim of
guaranteeing decent work and quality of life at the grassroots. ILO took the lead in establishing the UN Taskforce on SSE (UNTFSSE) which actively advocated for a UN Resolution on SSE together with 19 UN
agencies as members including a number of global NGOs such as the Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of Social Solidarity Economy (RIPESS).

SSE has been recognised as a key driver for inclusive and sustainable development, particularly by promoting decent work, reducing inequalities and fostering social transformation. Two resolutions
(A/RES/77/281 and A/C.2/79/L.22/Rev.1) and the Secretary General’s 2024 report provide a strong ground and rationale for Members of Parliament (MPs) to advocate for fair and equitable distribution of
economic growth especially in the formulation of development plans and during a time when Malaysia aspires to become a high-income nation.

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