To mark the 25th anniversary of the revised Statement on the Cooperative Identity, The International Cooperative Alliance and the Co-operative College UK hosted two online events. Delivered under the banner "Cooperative Conversations", this event featured live discussions with cooperators from across the globe, many of whom worked behind the scenes to define the Statement on the Cooperative Identity, its cooperative and ethical values, and its seven cooperative principles.
On the first event on September 21, participants engaged in a discussion about the significant role the cooperative identity plays in today’s world, and on September 22, panelists discussed and explore the impact of the Statement on regulation and legislation, with a focus on the ILO Recommendation 193 on the Promotion of Cooperatives in 2002.
What is the Statement on the Cooperative Identity?
The 1995 statement was drafted by a group of contributors guided by the late Professor Ian MacPherson and revised by the ICA board, with input from cooperative movements from all over the world. A process that took many years. In 1995, the ICA adopted the revised Statement on the Cooperative Identity which contains the definition of a cooperative, the values of cooperatives, and the seven cooperative principles.
Looking Back for a Stronger, Brighter Future
During the first event held on September 21, participants engaged in a spirited discussion about the significant role the cooperative identity plays in today’s world, the importance of adapting to changing needs, and how critical it is to ensure inclusion and diversity remains a priority.
The impact of the Cooperative Identity and regulation
During the second event held on September 22, panelists explored the impact of the Statement on regulation and legislation, with a focus on the ILO Recommendation 193 on the Promotion of Cooperatives in 2002.
