SEWF - Christchurch

The Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) 2017 was hosted in Christchurch by Ākina Foundation, bringing together global leaders in social enterprise. My role with British Council New Zealand and the Pacific was to coordinate our delegations from across Australasia and support their participation.

In addition to managing the logistics of delegates’ involvement, I organised a two-day international policy roundtable in partnership with UNESCAP. This side event created a rare opportunity for policymakers from the Pacific and beyond to exchange ideas and strategies on social enterprise and inclusive development.

A young woman with curly hair sitting on the floor next to a pile of SEWF conference bags, looking at the camera.

The collaboration with UNESCAP elevated the conversation, linking grassroots practitioners to high-level policy dialogue. It helped cement the role of social enterprise as part of wider discussions on sustainable growth, both regionally and internationally.

A professional conference room with people seated around a U-shaped arrangement of tables, watching a presentation on a screen. The room has a chandelier, large windows, and a banner on the side supporting SDG goals.
An indoor event with numerous people seated at long tables decorated with candles, under string lights. A presenter stands near a screen and a blackboard at the front, with photographs and artwork on the walls.
Logo for the Social Enterprise World Forum held in Christchurch from September 27 to 29, 2017, featuring a bird silhouette and red circular elements with text in both English and Maori.