V Congresso Mais Social focuses on social and impact economy

The V Congresso Mais Social opened in Câmara de Lobos, focusing on the distinction between the social economy and the impact economy. Experts and officials at the event called for a paradigm shift in how social institutions evaluate their effectiveness.

Cátia Sá Guerreiro from AESE Business School emphasized the need for organizations to move beyond traditional metrics and consider both positive and unintended negative impacts. She encouraged institutions to embrace continuous learning and collaboration rather than fearing evaluation.

Sónia Brazão, a councilwoman for Câmara de Lobos, argued that social intervention should move away from purely assistentialist models toward prevention and empowerment. She stated that success should be measured by lives transformed and autonomy recovered rather than just the number of people supported. The congress aims to foster cooperation between local governments, schools, health services, and businesses to address complex social challenges.