Empowering Cooperatives for Sustainable Development: UN Secretary General's Report

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has released a report highlighting the crucial role of cooperatives in social development. The report also presents key recommendations for Member States to support and strengthen cooperative businesses.

The year 2023 marks a significant turning point in the global pursuit of sustainable development. With the release of the UN Secretary General's report on cooperatives in social development, a new chapter is being written in the effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This report not only sheds light on the transformative potential of cooperatives but also emphasizes the need to strengthen their entrepreneurial ecosystems. The report is the culmination of discussions within the Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on Cooperatives in Social Development, organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) in May, with participation from the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). Experts from academia, cooperative practitioners, and government departments responsible for cooperatives contributed to the report's formation.

The genesis of the 2023 UN Secretary General's report can be traced back to the 2021 General Assembly Resolution 76/135. This resolution laid the groundwork for a comprehensive exploration of cooperatives' role in advancing social development. The report provides a roadmap for cooperatives to play a more substantial role in the economic and social policies of Member States. It is set to be presented at the 78th UN General Assembly in September 2023, with the aim of adopting a new Resolution on cooperatives in social development.

Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, applauds the role of cooperatives in promoting sustainable development across its three dimensions: social, economic, and environmental. He notes that cooperatives significantly contribute to "social inclusion and the eradication of poverty and hunger." However, despite their recognized potential, cooperatives still occupy a relatively modest position in the broader landscape of economic and social policies, according to the report.

Central to the report's findings is the concept of the cooperative entrepreneurial ecosystem. This ecosystem encompasses five key actions that can empower cooperatives:

 Policy and Regulatory Environment: Creating a conducive regulatory framework that supports the growth of cooperatives.

 Education and Capacity-building: Providing training and skills development opportunities to cooperative members and leaders.

 The Culture of Cooperation: Fostering a culture that promotes collaboration and cooperation among cooperative enterprises.

 Funding and Finance: Ensuring access to financial resources for cooperatives, including microfinancing options.

 Building Networks and Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration and partnerships among cooperatives, other businesses, and civil society organizations.

The report also puts forward four key recommendations for Member States to strengthen and support cooperatives as successful business enterprises that can enhance sustainable development and economic and social well-being:

 Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Approach: Adopt the entrepreneurial ecosystem approach and support further research to inform evidence-based policies.

 Data Collection: Collect comprehensive and internationally comparable data on the role of cooperative enterprises in economic and social development and their contributions to the SDGs.

 Integration in National Plans: Integrate cooperatives into national development plans, Sustainable Development Goal reporting processes, and national consultations on social and economic policies.

 Policy Support: Provide policy analysis, technical support, and capacity-building assistance to promote the continued growth of cooperatives for sustainable development.

The 2023 UN report recognizes the ongoing importance of cooperatives in promoting sustainable development, emphasizing their potential for economic and social progress. By implementing supportive policies and partnerships, cooperatives can play a key role in achieving the 2030 Agenda's goals. This report continues the UN's tradition of recognizing cooperatives as vital partners in social development, dating back to the 1950s and reaffirmed every two years since 1992. It represents a crucial step in assessing progress and ensuring cooperatives remain central to global efforts for inclusive and sustainable development.