On Wednesday 21st of June 2023, our partner of the MedRiSSE Project An-Najah National University (ANNU) organised a new webinar to harvest learning and knowledge. On this occasion, the webinar brought us an interesting presentation on “Perspectives and Challenges of Innovation Currencies in the Mediterranean Basin” and counted on a participation of more than 30 attendees.

The webinar started with an introduction of the MedRiSSE project and the objectives of this activity by Dr. Imad Ibrik and Dr. Samah Saleh from the An-Najah National University. Then, Mr. José Ruibérriz from Assembly of Cooperation for Peace (ACPP), lead beneficiary of the MedRiSSE project made a presentation of the use of local and complementary currencies to promote social innovation and support Social Solidarity Economy initiatives.

During his intervention, Mr. Ruibérriz shared many successful examples of complementary currencies by paying attention to their role in stimulating circular economy models and in supporting of local economy and small businesses. Furthermore, he presented the Med Social Innovation Lab as meeting point and virtual platform for SSE actors, stakeholders and policy makers where an internal token system is under development that would support new ideas and projects.

From Palestine, Mr. Laith Sarsour from the Agricultural Development Association (PARC), partner of the MedRiSSE project, shared a successful story from a Spanish cooperation project: “Complementary currencies in Cash and vouchers Assistance CVA – by using Clickoin system”. In Salfit, 200 users are supporting the local economy through their social aid by using a payment system, which was improved digitally through the MedTOWN project by Tier 1, the project's technology partner. By these digital payments, it is being generated a responsible consumption circuit in the local environment that contributes to the community’s sustainable and inclusive development.

Finally, Dr. Muath Asmar fromthe Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at An-Najah National University, made an intervention on the challenges to implement complementary and alternative currencies on a territory with the particular situation of Palestine. He remarked as well, the digital divide that keeps away from this technology a large number of people.

At the end of the webinar, speakers highlighted the importance of keeping these initiatives alive once the funding is finished.

You may find this webinar and the previous ones in our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@medrisseproject/videos