Malaysia is an outstanding example where there has been tremendous socio-economic transformation which has taken place. Household poverty reduced from 50% of the population at the time of Independence in 1957 to less than 5% in 2009. While this was our success story, there is however rising income inequalities in Malaysia between the top 20% and the bottom 30%, within and among communities. We also note the emergence of the poor and low income families in the urban areas and complexity of the rural poor especially the interior, forest based communities.
Community based approaches which puts people before profits is the new models of socio economic transformation that Malaysia is adopting and therefore the KL2011 Asian Forum will enable Malaysia to show case its success models but at the same time learn from the experiences of other success stories from around the Asian region.
Personal Reflections & Lessons learnt from 2009 Forum
The experience at Tokyo was very enriching. I noted five key aspects which could serve as a helpful reminder of a memorable experience in promoting solidarity economy in Asia.
First, a number of the speakers provided a comprehensive introduction both the theoretical as well as the historical development of solidarity economy especially the context of its emergence. Among those who developed this theme were Dr Yoko Kitazawa and Prof Jun Nishikawa. However we did not devote enough attention to this very important aspect in due time especially at the next Asian Forum
Second, the practice dimensions through sharing of experiences and case studies. This is the most important contribution of the Tokyo gathering. A number were regional or national experiences as in the case of Martine Theveniaut of EU, Ben Quinones of the Philippians or Jang Won Bong of the Korean national model. In addition the many stories from Malaysia, India, Nepal and Japan added reflections of models and experiences. In the long run here too we must develop a framework for documentation, analysis and drawing lessons.
The third aspect relates to institutional development of the organizations involved. This was well illustrated by the presentation on social finance and social investment by Bernd Balkenhol and Ms Viviane Vandemeulebroucke (INAISE). In addition a new step forward was the social performance management tool which was highlighted by Ms Micol Pisrtell of MIX. In addition the ethical aspects’ discussed by Ms Edith Sizoo was also very critical. However there was not enough time for in-depth discussion and adoption of these by Asian Forum partners as the framework of operations.
The fourth aspect is the policy dimension including advocacy and lobbing the governments for a conducive policy environment which will facilitate the development of solidarity economy and especially social enterprises. The policy and legislative framework in Korea was provides institutional support of the State. Likewise the policy changes in Japan also merits further study and reflection. These can serve as helpful developments within the region for other Asian countries to emulate. More focus must be given towards policy advocacy and public policy issues in the future.
In this context too, Workshop E on International regulations for a solidarity levy warrants further reflections as the paper presenters shared experiences in attempting to influence the global financial order in a new and creative way. There is therefore an urgent need to balance micro development work at the grassroots with influencing and impacting global institutions, regional bodies and national governments to create new policies and legislation which will further enhance solidarity economy.
Fifthly, the Tokyo2009 Forum provided tremendous opportunities for sharing, fellowship and networking among a multi diverse groups of people among whom were academics, grassroots leaders, civil society activist, development workers, policy makers, organizational leads and international representatives. This took place both during formal sessions but more so during the informal sessions. The Forum provided an opportunity for all to network with one another thereby enabling us to experience the richness and diversity of Asia.
Pointers towards the KL2011 Forum
At the Asian Alliance Business Meeting held in the evening of Nov 8, 2009 at Akasaka Morroud Inn, chaired by Mr Ben Quinones (CSRSME Asia) and attended by about 26 people from Asia and our partners from other regions agreed to the following:
That the Asian Alliance for Solidarity Economy be established as a network of likeminded organizations and individuals. Among the suggestions made was that the structure should be informal accepting direct members from the grassroots rather than establishing national institutions and to maintain a minimum structure. That the Asian Alliance be affiliated as an Asian regional branch of RIPES.
It was also expressed that the work of the Asian Alliance is to undertake the promotion solidarity economy in the region including undertaking joint action in cooperation with Asian and regional partners.
It was strongly emphasized that the Asian Alliance focuses on the development of young leadership and incorporate young people in all the programmes and activities. In this context the Asian Alliance will network with Global Citizens for Sustainable Development and promote the Asian Youth Assembly (August 13 to 15, 2010 in Banglore, India) and the Asian Citizens Assembly also in Banglore (August 18 to 20, 2010). Asian Alliance will work closely with Mr Anugraha John in developing this dimension.
It was emphasized that the Alliance Asian adopts a new model of operations namely moving away from just hosting an event like a forum once is two years towards undertaking a regional project focus in terms of developing a learning journey process at the local community or a local district or geographical area or local territory (as used by Pactes-locaux in France).
In this context the Asian Alliance will work closely with Pactes-Locaux in learning from the methodology used as well as securing some funding from the European Union through Pactes-Locaux for the development of this learning journey at the local levels incorporating local governanceand democracy, local citizens empowerment, local development which is comprehensive rather than piece meal. In this context the Asian Alliance will work closely with Ms Martine Theveniaut and Mr Yvon Poirier.
A process/methodology paper on undertaking a Learning Journey will be circulated. Its features will include local mapping and discovering the comprehensive range of activities such as micro credit, fair trade, community empowerment and its interplay at the community level including theimpact of globalization and how local communities are responding to its challenges. Mr Ben Quionones will circulate a paper on this aspect. We will also circulate Pactes-Locaux materials on this aspect.
All these experiences can be documented over a period of time between 2010 leading on towards 2013 with the first set of presentations taking place at KL2011.
It was also affirmed that the Asian Alliance and partners adopt the Charter of Human Responsibility as the foundational value base principles undergirding solidarity economy. Therefore partners should enable its members to reflect on these and share their reflections at KL2011.
It was also emphasized that at KL2011 event invitations should be extended to grassroots actors such as famers, self help group women leaders in order for them to exhibit their products and share their experiences. Therefore along with the Forum there must be exhibition booths to display their works and opportunity for them to share their experiences.
It was also suggested that the Asia Forum could serve as a hub for other networkers to all hold their programmes during the same time and in this way ensure that civil society organizations and leaders could incorporate the framework of solidarity economy. In this context cooperation with the Common wealth Association for People Centred Action (COMMACT), the World Fair Trade Organisations, Micro Credit Institutions, the Co-operatives and Credit Unions will enhance the Asian Forum.
