This is going to be an important year for co-operatives. The United Nations have recognized 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives (IYC), acknowledging that this business model drives the economy, responds to social change, it’s resilient to the global economic crisis and it is able to create jobs in all sectors.
International years are declared by the United Nations to draw attention and to encourage action on major issues. This year the UN resolution recognizes the diversity of the co-operative movement and the important results achieved by the co-operative business model in alleviating poverty. The resolution urges governments to adopt measures aimed at creating a supportive environment for the development of co-operatives.
According to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, “Co-operatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility.”
Check out the upcoming events related to the IYC.
