Daniel Flynn, co-founder of Thankyou, Kate Raworth, internationally recognised economist and author of Doughnut Economics, and Clothing The Gaps co-founder, Laura Thompson are among the first speakers to be announced for the Social Enterprise World Forum 2022 (SEWF22) to be held in Brisbane, 28-29 September.

The much-anticipated international event for social innovators is back on home soil after 13 years, giving existing and aspiring social enterprise leaders, philanthropists and key players from the public and private sector the chance to come together to learn, connect and uncover solutions to a more sustainable future.

Flynn, Raworth and Thompson 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.

A drawcard for young social entrepreneurs and start-ups, Flynn is co-founder and managing director of one of Australia’s most successful start-ups, Thankyou. At 19 years of age, compelled by a vision to drive positive change, he launched social enterprise Thankyou, now globally recognised for its innovation, disruption, and impact. Flynn’s journey is one of grit and unconventionality, pioneering Thankyou to redefine ‘business as usual’. To date, Thankyou has given over $17 million to impactful change-makers in the fight against global poverty.

Raworth is a self-declared renegade economist from the UK, recognised globally for ‘Doughnut Economics’ – a new approach to economic thinking that focuses on humanity thriving between social and planetary boundaries. Her internationally best-selling book Doughnut Economics: seven ways to think like a 21st-century economist has been translated into over 20 languages and has been widely influential with diverse audiences, from the UN General Assembly to Pope Francis.

Thompson is a Gunditjmara woman and co-founder of Clothing The Gaps, an Aboriginal streetwear label managed by health professionals who are using business as a vehicle to fund health promotion initiatives in Aboriginal Communities, and help close the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Thompson and the Clothing The Gaps team were the driving force behind the ‘Free The Flag’ campaign that led to the removal of copyright on the Aboriginal flag, allowing it to be celebrated and used freely.

Luke Terry, CEO of White Box Enterprises, the Australian Co-host of SEWF in 2022 says the forum has 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.”

The carefully curated program has been designed in consultation with key advisory committees to ensure critical voices, including First Nations, youth and culturally diverse communities are 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.”

Terry is amongst the list of Australian social entrepreneurs who will also take the stage, alongside Alex Tosseli (Hotel Etico), Eloise Hall (TABOO), Jess Moore (Social Enterprise Australia), Liandra Gaykama?u (Enterprise Learning Projects), Natasha Short (Kimberley Birds), Nick Pearce (Homie), Tiarne Shutt (First Australians Capital) and Usman Iftikhar (Catalysr).

In addition to SEWF22 on 28-29 September, there are 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 your ticket or view the program of events, visit SEWF2022.com.

About Social Enterprise World Forum

Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) exists to grow the social enterprise movement globally and support social enterprises as they address the world’s biggest challenges, moving us towards a more inclusive and sustainable impact economy. SEWF was the first event of its kind and through its annual flagship event, since 2008, has provided an opportunity for thousands of social enterprise leaders and practitioners from around the world to convene annually and build networks, exchange ideas and create opportunities in order to create better social economies and a better future.

About SEWF 2022 Co-host White Box Enterprises

White Box Enterprises has a bold mission to create 5,000 new jobs by 2030. The organisation is doing this by working with social enterprises, government, investors and philanthropists to build, replicate and support large-scale social enterprises, employing overlooked and underserved people.

Media enquiries:
Amy Blacker | White Box Enterprises | E: amy@whiteboxenterprises.com.au | M: 0429 094 472
Ruby Bisson | Incredible Communications | E: ruby.bisson@incrediblecommunications.com.au | M: 0434 086 072