40th international conference CEFEC

Dear colleagues, partners, and friends,


It is a sincere privilege to welcome you to Bled, a place where nature, tradition, and innovation meet. Here, surrounded by the calm of the lake and the strength of the mountains, we gather to explore new ways of creating social value and inclusion across Europe.


The CEFEC network has always been more than an organization—it is a movement of people who believe that social economy can change lives. Each one of you represents a story of courage, creativity, and persistence. Together, these stories form a powerful mosaic of what Europe can become when social purpose and entrepreneurship work hand in hand.

Our time in Bled is an opportunity to pause and think about where we are heading. The challenges before us—economic inequality, climate change, and social fragmentation—require us not only to adapt but to lead. Through collaboration and shared vision, we can shape models of work and community that leave no one behind.


At the conference, I invite you to engage fully, listen deeply, and connect openly. Let these discussions spark new partnerships and ideas that will continue long after the conference ends.

Thank you for bringing your energy, your expertise, and your belief in people’s potential. May this conference remind us that even the smallest initiative, when built on solidarity, can create lasting change.

Welcome to Slovenia.

Welcome to the 40th CEFEC conference.

Marin Zver


President of the 2026 CEFEC Conference, Bled

Okoljski raziskovalni zavod (ORZ)