The Power and Possibility of Cooperatives
The global cooperative movement is over 200 years old, includes 2.6 million cooperative societies, boasts over 1 billion members, and commands a combined turnover of US$3 trillion among just the largest 300 cooperatives across the world. It is bigger in terms of membership than the trade union movement, economically more powerful than several G20 nations, and provides employment to many more people than all multinational corporations taken together. In theory, such a potent movement should be central to the international development agenda. Yet, despite its size and power, the movement has not been recognized and integrated to end poverty, ensure prosperity, and protect the planet.
By their very nature cooperatives play a triple role: as economic actors, they create opportunities for jobs, livelihoods, and income; as social organizations built on a common goal and a common bond, they extend protection and security, and contribute to equity and social justice; and as democratically controlled associations of individuals, they play a constructive role in communities and nations, in society and politics.
After more than three decades of social impact work in over 100 countries at the intersection of the public, private, and social sectors, Pyxera Global knows too well that it is time to recognize human-centered cooperative models for sustained prosperity. This panel session is an opportunity to explore the scope of the role – often unnoticed — that cooperatives across all sectors play in the world. The panelists will share stories of the successes and challenges of the cooperatives movement, and discuss ways that investment in a new era of flourishing cooperatives can drive more global inclusivity and equity, better serve people and communities, contribute solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.