With this year’s Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) now in the books, our Events and Marketing Manager Jo Seagrave reflects on the event in this latest blog.
Through a bursary programme supported by SEWF and the International Social Enterprise Observatory (ISEO), I had the privilege of supporting a Scottish delegation to attend and participate at SEWF 22 Brisbane and fringe events through 26th September – 5th October.
Having supported or attended every SEWF since 2014, I can honestly say this was the best international forum yet. Kudos to the SEWF and White Box Enterprise teams, and all others involved to bring together such a massive, successful hybrid event – 1,500 delegates in-person and the same, if not more joining online.
Stand out sessions for me were the fireside chats that kicked off each morning and ended each day.
After the opening ceremony formally welcomed by indigenous performers and singers, we heard from Laura Thompson, Clothing the Gaps in Australia, where we heard about her campaign to have the Aboriginal flag freed from copyright for all to use. You couldn’t help but be moved by Laura’s passion, tenacity and elation when the flag was finally freed. Learn more about the campaign.
At the end of day one, we heard from Dylan Alcott, Australian of the Year 2022. Dylan is one of the country’s most successful Paralympians and one of Australia’s most recognised advocates for people with disability.
He shared his experience and the many enterprises he has created to address inequality and help people with disabilities to achieve their goals in the workplace, sporting events and university. Dylan’s honesty and candidness was inspiring. Learn more about Dylan’s story.
On day two, the opening fireside chat was with young climate activist India Miro Logan-Riley of ActionStation in New Zealand. India spoke emotionally and defiantly of her desire for Maori communities to sustain and retain their land colonised in history, borne from her great grandfather’s story. Read India’s inspiring story.
The in-person event was closed with a fireside chat with one of Australia’s leading social entrepreneurs, Daniel Flynn of Thank You. Daniel’s determination and grit to change the international we live in for the better through innovation, disruption and impact was enviable.
His campaigns against supermarkets to stock his products, his fundraising endeavours and invitations to huge consumer produk companies P&G and Unilever to change the world. Read about the Thank you journey.
Increased diversity and inclusivity
What really struck me this year was the increasing diversity and inclusiveness of the event with a plethora of young and indigenous people on the stage storytelling and berbagi with such passion, emotion and bravery. Also, how seamlessly accessibility and sustainability had been woven through the event.
It was particularly awe-inspiring to see two of our young Scots, Aimee Spence at InspirAlba and Cameron Campbell of STAT SALUS face their fears to present and tell their stories on THE biggest social enterprise platform they will likely experience.