Big names heading to Brisbane for Social Enterprise World Forum
16 June 2022 at 9:00 am
The organisers behind this year’s forum have given the first glimpse of a carefully curated program which aims to engage individuals on the fringes of the sector.
With momentum building ahead of September’s Social Enterprise World Forum in Brisbane, organisers have revealed the first speakers who will be taking to the stage.
Among the headliners, who were announced on Thursday, are internationally recognised economist and author of Doughnut Economics, Kate Raworth; Thankyou co-founder Daniel Flynn; and the co-founder of Aboriginal streetwear label Clothing The Gaps, Laura Thompson.
The trio are part of an impressive line-up of speakers over the two-day program which includes a mix of expert keynotes, masterclasses and panel discussions centred around key topics including climate change, Indigenous social enterprise, innovation and policy.
Luke Terry, CEO of White Box Enterprises, the Australian co-host of SEWF in 2022, said the carefully curated program had been designed in consultation with key advisory committees to ensure critical voices, including First Nations, youth and culturally diverse communities were represented.
“This is our chance to engage individuals on the fringes of the sector – young Australians who are passionate about their future, people considering starting a business for good, socially conscious consumers, philanthropists and impact investors. We have designed the program with all these key people in mind,” he said.
Terry said the forum had the potential to redefine Australia’s view of social enterprise.
“All eyes are on us as a country and a sector. We have this incredible opportunity as a united front to showcase the critical role social enterprises play in our communities and the economy, to key decision makers in government and corporate Australia,” he said.
It marks 13 years since the international forum – which brings together existing and aspiring social enterprise leaders, philanthropists and key players from the public and private sector – was last on home soil.
Many Australian social entrepreneurs, including Terry, will be taking the stage, alongside a host of international speakers. Other names include Alex Toselli (Hotel Etico), Eloise Hall (TABOO), Jess Moore (Social Enterprise Australia), Liandra Gaykamaŋu (Enterprise Learning Projects), Natasha Short (Kimberley Birds), Nick Pearce (Homie), Tiarne Shutt (First Australians Capital) and Usman Iftikhar (Catalysr).
Aside from the Social Enterprise World Forum 2022, which will be held on 28-29 September, there are also a number of fringe events including a Youth Forum for under 30s, an Academic Symposium, SEWF Rural Gathering, and Social Enterprise Bus tours running in Brisbane and regional Queensland.
More program announcements will be made over the coming weeks.
To purchase a ticket or view the program of events, visit SEWF2022.com.
