Simel Esim (Vice Chair, ILO) began the meeting by following the regular agenda which included the three action items outlined in the task force strategy and work plan. Various members and observers provided updates and shared their own organizational perspectives.

Antonella Noya (OECD) gave an update on their Global Action & informal expert group. She reminded colleagues that the Global Action is closing up after three years of support by the EU. By the end of September much of the work should be finalized (internationalization, procurement, data, refugees, platform coops, etc.).

Simel Esim (ILO) spoke about the recent ILC, in which SSE was mentioned in severalresolutions. Hamish Jeninks (RIPPES), who was actively engaged in the process, emphasized a variety of challenges that were faced, including the need to ensure coherence and a strategic approach amongst tripartite constituents.

“One can’t assume that just because SSE is adopted at a UN or ILC Resolution that government delegates will be aware of SSE… we really need to think more strategically about moving SSE forward through the multilateral system.” (Hamish Jenkins, RIPESS)

Relevant ILO colleagues shared helpful perspectives regarding the tripartite nature of the organization and offered support in revitalizing SSE. Significant attention was given to the need to further engage countries (both developed and developing) in order to enhance understanding of SSE and not allow it to be side-lined. Colleagues agreed to initiate a working-group to build and implement a strategy on effective engagement. Priorities will include engaging UNDESA on Voluntary National Review(s) and building a group of key countries who can act as ‘friends of SSE” and push SSE through the UN system.

Under Priority Area 2: ‘Boosting the creation and sharing of knowledge on SSE and SDGs’,
Ilcheong Yi (UNRISD) provided updates on the ongoing and future activities of the Knowledge Hub and the SSE Encyclopedia. Charles Bodwell (ILO) shared the recently published global awareness-raising package on the SSE, which was led by ITC-ILO. The task force is now exploring different methods of dissemination to ensure that the tools can reach those ‘not yet converted’ to SSE.

Next, Fernando Baptista (UNTFSSE Communications Consultant) provided an update on the implementation of the communication strategy and outreach activities, including data analytics from the first semester of 2023. He shared that from his perspective, the next target is at the country-level (UN offices / communication officers). He then mentioned a few ideas for disseminating the awareness-raising package, which is now available on the front page of the UNTFSSE webpage.

Recent SSE events were highlighted including the success of the recent CIRIEC Research Conference in Seoul, where many colleagues came together and were able to meet in-person after years apart.

The task force is now looking forward to it’s next virtual meeting in September, followed by the 4th Technical Symposium in October.