Reflecting back on the Social Enterprise World forum 2019, that took place in an Emergining market like Ethiopia, it had a profound effect on me, as it solidified my own inner decision to return back to Africa 10+years ago, to be part of the change in seeking a revolutionary strategic shift in finding a more holistic approach in the way we empower eachother globally and locally, as well as economically and socially. Having excelled in the financial world working for fortune 500 companies in the most powerful country in the world, the US, and being raised ina social conscious family and country (Ethiopia), my soul felt more at ease when volunteering for communities, serving on the board of minority owned, and consulting small and medium socially impactful enterprise's.
When I created deldeyoch in 2010, my intentions were more to serve where I fit best, and yes I saved enough money to invest in my passions, and things I felt can make me a kinder, wiser, more conciouse leader in transfering the tools I learnt in the extreme private sector (US), shifting me to understand that I was a believer in a Socio-Capitalist economy, especially after travelling in Ethiopia, and around Africa. Thus my experience of attending #SEWF2019 went beyond the networking, panel discussions, policy and acadamic forum, learning more about Impact investment experience regarding Social Enterprise, it was an inner confirmation that I wasn't alone in my vision of strategiesing to finding a more equal playing field that was sustainable to all. Meeting smart, generouse, awakened people as far away as Australia, Uganda, New Zeland, Canada, Sudan, Kenya, South Africa, Scotland, Hong Kong, UK etc, and locally in Ethiopia, doing profound things in the Government, International Organisations, Private Sector and NGO, reenergized me to believe even more in humanity, and how if we all commit to puting our minds and hearts together we can create a New Earth, where we all prosper equally, in consideration of our enviroment, and its inhabbitants, taking care of the one earth we all call home.
My take of #SEWF2019...
Acadamic Symposium:Meeting Acadamicians, school administrators as well as SocEnt in the Education field gave me an oppertunity to engage, be aware of, and strive to see how we in Ethiopia can be better equiped to introduce SocEnt in high school, universities and in our leadership and Entrepreneurship Trainings. Considering Ethiopia was the host country I would have been excited to see commitments from African acadamicians on further collaborations. Grateful for British council Ethiopia team for the invite.
Policy Forum: By far the most exciting part of SEWF was the discussions around policy, considering in Ethiopia SocEnt if not defined as such is engrained in our Entreuprenuerial mindset. Learning from other countries, the process, means and enginuity in designing their SocEnt framework with all stakeholders was eye opening. As well as realising the need of switching to impact investment by funders from the Aid and free money syndrome that has handicapped most emerging nations, was refreshing. It was exciting to see so many consciouse leaders that have a passion to find a middle ground, SocEnt, between civil societies and capitalism drivin policies. Looking forward to participating next year. Grateful for British council Ethiopia for the invite.
SEWF2019 Main Forum : I am inspired, & motivated by the global #SolEnt community @_SEWF! The opening was delightful. When Social Innovators, policy makers, Impact Investors, Academicians from all over the world (1,200 delegates, 70 countries) take over @UNECA to awaken our collective responsibilities as leaders for a Conscious shift to doing bussiness. Opening speeches by Dr.Hirut Kassaw-Minister of culture and tourism, H.E. Dr Tilaye Gete-Minister of Education, Per Heggenes-CEO, IKEA Foundation, Hélène Malandain-Board Chair-SEWF. Social Entrepreneurs also showcasing their products @UNECA was wonderful. It would have been great to include Minister of Trade Ethiopia, as thats the direction of SocEnt in Ethiopia. The panel discusssions were timely and interesting, I am a true believer that innovative technology can truly play a crital roll in leveling the playing field. I wished you had reached out to all of us in Ethiopia that are experts in SocEnt field to represent Ethiopia on all the panel discussions, especially more government bodies in Africa. Innovative Social Enterprises play a critical role in addressing many of Africas socio-economic challenges, and SEWF2019 gave us an amazing oppertunity to not just highlight that to the global community, but to the local stakeholders. I bought my ticket to come in, and it was worth every penny.
Furthermore #SEWF didn't end at 5pm, it was such a joyful connection that I attended the Networking at Reach for Change @Radison, and danced the night away at the African night @BritishcouncilEthiopia, extending friendship to people from all over the world over food and drinks at the Social Enterprise Ethiopia event was priceless. And as a true Ethiopian hospitality is a must, making sure people got to their hotels safe, and sharing travel ideas to our uniquelly beautiful country Ethiopia even after the forum ended, reconfirmed my global citizenship.
The most significant treasure that SEWF2019 gave me was the #SocEnt family I formed, be it Social Enterprise Ethiopia, the supportive team at British Council ethiopia, and the resilient owners of social enterprises in the Ethiopian private sector, as well as the champions of #SocEnt in the Ethiopian Government, Academicians, International Organisations serving Ethiopia, and NGO leaders willingness to shift their strategies.🇪🇹
Looking forward to collaborating more locally and globally, as well as comparing notes at #SEWF2020, in one of my favorite country, Canada!
By Dutchess @Deldeyoch
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"Bridging the gap between the monetary fortunate and unfortunate."
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