The Role of Work Integration Social Enterprises in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case Study of Lithuania

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are internationally agreed-upon commitments to sustainable development, represent the global development agenda. Lithuania, along with other 192 countries, has committed to achieving these goals by 2030. The purpose of these goals is to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all and ensure that no one is left behind. As emphasized by SDG #17, an important role in achieving all SDGs is played by partnerships among all stakeholders, including partnerships developed by businesses and, especially, social businesses. In Lithuania, social businesses mostly act as work integration social enterprises (WISEs), working with the most vulnerable societal groups and ensuring their social integration into society, thus contributing toward the achievement of the SDGs. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented businesses from performing their usual activities and, subsequently, from achieving their social missions. Thus, in this study, we aimed to analyze the role of WISEs in achieving the SDGs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania. The study is based on the interviews with Lithuanian de facto WISE leaders. The findings showed that the WISEs in Lithuania mainly contributed to SDG #1 “No poverty”, SDG #2 “Zero hunger”, SDG #3 “Good health and well-being”, SDG #4 “Quality education”, SDG #8 “Decent work and economic growth”, and SDG #16 “Peace and justice” during the pandemic.