We believe that dialogue is most constructive when based upon certain basic shared values. Both our action and organisation are therefore guided by three main values:

RESPONSIBILITY

Being aware of the consequences that our decisions have on others is the cornerstone of responsible behaviour. This principle can also be applied to economy, as economic activity has an impact on its human, social and environmental framework.

We would hope that a growing number of individuals and organisations take into account and minimise the harmful impact of their daily economic practices.

PLURALITY

We strongly consider diversity as being a wonderful source of richness. The world contains a vast amount of different cultures and thus a great variety of ways of thinking and perceiving reality.

All these different ways of thinking can be integrated into a truly open, global dialogue. Working through a multicultural, participative and democratic approach isn't always easy nor fast. However, it seems the only appropriate methodology when constructing a socio-economic system aimed to serve all human beings.

SOLIDARITY

Solidarity has been excluded from the predominant neo-classical economic model, which worships self-interest as the only motivation of economic decision and relies on the myth that competition always transforms selfishness into common good.

This simplistic approach does not reflect the complexity of human beings. We are at the same time individual and social, competitive and altruistic. Hence the WSSE efforts in restoring the crucial role of solidarity in economic thinking and practice.