The "Global Socio-Economic Council (Gsef)" was held in Montreal, Canada from September 7th to 9th 2016. Six people from Seikatsu Club Consumers’ Cooperative participated with about 1,500 people from 330 cities in 62 countries. The event took place over three days with active discussions and exchanges.

Social issues were once expected to be solved by the power of politicians and the central government (country) or by the adjustment function of the market economy, but it has come to be widely recognized that the aforementioned powers cannot solve economic disparity and poverty instead we need worldwide solidarity by citizens and nonprofit organizations to regenerate the society and the economy.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal, said, "Activities at the local level are important for promoting social solidarity economy".

In the workshop held on 7th and 8th, many cases of activities in various parts of the world including Canada, France, Italy and Africa were reported.

Ms. UENO Shinobu, the Chairperson of Seikatsu Club Consumers’ Co-operative Yamanashi who participated in the forum talks about her impression as follows:

"I participated in the international conference for the first time but I was deeply aware that the problems of disparities and poverty that are happening in Japan are common problems in other parts of the world. I also think that the efforts of Japanese workers collectives are actual examples of “social solidarity economy”. There needs to be more intermediary organizations to sustain and develop these activities. It is a common global challenge. If citizen activities such as workers collectives and NPOs develop by collaborating with each other and influence local governments and national policies, the situation could be changed."

Gsef 2016 Montreal Declaration was adopted by participants on the last day of September 9 2016.