site.btaBulgaria Aims to Develop Social Enterprise Network through Innovation, Labour Minister Tells UN

Bulgaria aims not only to expand its social economy by building a network of social enterprises but also to develop them through social innovation, Labour and Social Policy Minister Nataliya Efremova said during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, her Ministry reported on Saturday.

Efremova was speaking during a discussion of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' report on progress in the social and solidarity economy.

She said Bulgaria plans to establish a Social Innovation Competence Centre, which could continue operating with funding from the state budget or local authorities after its European funding ends.

Efremova also highlighted the need for a flexible and inclusive regulatory framework for the social and solidarity economy, involving governments, non-governmental organizations and social entrepreneurs. She said social enterprises need both targeted financial incentives and non-financial support, adding that the social economy is included in the Bulgarian Government's programme.

Six centres supporting social enterprises are currently operating in Bulgaria. Their work includes helping social entrepreneurs establish new enterprises, supporting projects and connecting social enterprises with businesses outside the social economy, Efremova said.

Bulgaria has also joined a Group of Friends aimed at promoting the social economy. Efremova said participation would allow the country to exchange expertise and good practices while helping give social and solidarity economy issues greater prominence on the international agenda.

During another event held as part of the UN General Assembly session, Efremova said that all policies should take demographic challenges into account. She made the remarks at a high-level forum on demographic resilience and investment in human capital.