MP Vikram Sahney Advocates Social Enterprises at World Economic Forum, Davos

January 24, 2026

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP, entrepreneur, and Chairman of the Sun Foundation, Vikram Sahney, strongly advocated for the expansion of social enterprises in India during an interview with a private television channel on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Davos.

Highlighting global examples, Sahney said that Europe has over 2.8 million social enterprises, which together account for nearly 12% of total employment. In contrast, India has yet to fully tap the potential of social enterprises as a structured and scalable model for social impact.

Social Enterprise: Business with a Purpose

“Social enterprises are business models, but their core objective is to create social impact,” Sahney said. “Unlike charity or donations, they are self-sustaining programmes that empower communities while remaining financially viable.”

He emphasized that investing in social enterprises creates long-term solutions rather than short-term relief, making them far more effective than one-time donations.

Focus on Sustainability and Natural Resources

Sahney pointed out the urgent need for social enterprises in areas such as:

• Sanitation and water resource management

• Environmental protection in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region

• Climate-resilient development models

“These are sectors where community-driven, sustainable enterprises can make a transformative difference,” he said.

Opportunities in MedTech, EdTech, and AgriTech

Calling for innovation-led solutions, Sahney urged the development of social enterprises in MedTech, EdTech, and AgriTech, sectors that directly impact livelihoods and human development.

He also spoke about his own experience in rehabilitation-focused projects, noting that India significantly lacks institutional support and scale in social entrepreneurship.

Addressing Farmers’ Distress Through Innovation

Referring to ongoing debates around farmers’ issues, MSP, and agricultural distress, Sahney proposed a practical alternative:
“Instead of only talking about MSP, why can’t we build social enterprises around food preservation and processing?”

He cited successful Zero Hunger projects in Brazil and South Africa, where farmers collectively participate in social enterprise models that reduce post-harvest losses and increase incomes.

“If 30% of farmers come together and invest in such enterprises, the impact would be far greater. Putting money into social enterprises is far better than donating,” he said.

Call for Global Collaboration

Sahney concluded by noting that WEF Davos is the ideal platform for fostering collaboration. He stressed the importance of joint ventures, global partnerships, and knowledge sharing to scale social enterprises in India and across developing economies.

“Social enterprises are the future of inclusive growth,” he said, “and India must lead this movement.”