Cooperative Futures
Cooperatives are people-centred enterprises that are jointly owned and democratically controlled by their members. They aim to promote active participation in the economic and social development of all individuals, including women, youth, older adults, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples worldwide. Many cooperatives have integrated sustainable development goals into their work programs and provide strong support for Member States’ efforts toward sustainable development.
Cooperatives leverage new technologies to enhance business processes and maximize benefits for their members. A prominent example is the Mondragon Cooperative in Spain, a federation of 81 independent cooperatives employing 70,000 people. This cooperative invests significantly in research and innovation, sharing its findings with other cooperatives both nationally and internationally.
Last year, the Permanent Missions of Mongolia and Kenya to the United Nations, along with the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC), organized a side event during the Summit of the Future. This event showcased how cooperatives are leading the way in democratizing science and technology, making significant contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 10 on tackling inequality and Goal 8 on promoting decent jobs for all.
The event emphasized collaboration among cooperatives in research and the development of new technologies that can be shared nationally and internationally. It also highlighted new initiatives by Member States to strengthen capacities, especially in developing countries, to conduct scientific research and adopt new technologies that enhance sustainable development. These initiatives support the commitment outlined in the Pact for the Future, which aims to “strengthen North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation to build capacity for and improve access to science, technology, and innovation, and to increase resources for implementing technical and scientific initiatives.”
Integrating young people into cooperatives is vital for ensuring their future and fostering adaptation and renewal in decision-making processes. Young individuals can introduce technological expertise, innovation, and fresh perspectives to cooperatives. Their energy and enthusiasm can drive growth, and help cooperatives adapt to new technologies. Furthermore, there is a natural alignment between the core values of cooperatives—self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity—and the commitment of young people to sustainability and broader social issues.
The Pact for the Future and its annexe, the Global Digital Compact, emphasize the importance of equitable access to the digital economy, which fosters innovation and entrepreneurship while increasing the number of digital start-ups in developing countries. The Pact acknowledges that this potential can only be realized through international cooperation to leverage the benefits of science and bridge the growing digital divides within and between developed and developing countries.
Integrating young people into cooperatives is vital for ensuring their future and fostering adaptation and renewal in decision-making processes. Young individuals can introduce technological expertise, innovation, and fresh perspectives to cooperatives.
