This is an unprecedented event where socially responsible investors (SRIs) meet with socially responsible Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to discuss new initiatives such as Fair Trade, solidarity-based Supply chains, ethical investments, and microfinance, which are driven by the triple bottom line of sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental resilience.

Indeed, Asia is one of the regions of the world where new economic practices have flourished. There is a growing interest in them especially among those who are looking for an alternative to the current global economic system which has deepened the wedge between the haves and the have-nots, and further alienated those who are already marginalized.

But many questions remain unanswered, viz:

• What do these practices have in common ?
• Do they share the same vision on what the economy should be?
• Are they part of a coherent vision for an alternative global economic system or are they only random examples?
• Who are the main stakeholders involved? What strategies can be built to enhance business links among them?

These are some of the burning questions that will be explored in the Asian Forum for Solidarity Economy 2007. The meeting will take place on 17-20 October 2007 in Manila (Philippines). It will gather representatives of solidarity-based economic initiatives from a dozen different Asian countries. It is organized by the Coalition of Socially Responsible SMEs in Asia (CSR SME Asia) with the initial support of the Charles Léopold Mayer Foundation for the Progress of Humankind and in cooperation with the global network of WSSE (Workgroup on Solidarity Socio-Economy).

We look forward to seeing you there !!