Self-help cooperatives key to entrepreneurial expansion – Annan

Underlining the importance of self-help cooperative organizations, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today said such associations are a catalyst for entrepreneurial expansion and an important factor in social stability and cohesion.

“Millions of men and women throughout the world have secured for themselves, their families and their communities a decent life, economic well-being and expanding opportunities by organizing themselves in cooperative associations and enterprises,” Mr. Annan said in the video message to the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).

The message was delivered in Oslo, Norway, where the ICA General Assembly is meeting until 5 September. ICA is an independent, non-governmental association, which represents and serves cooperatives worldwide. Its major objective is to promote and strengthen autonomous co-operatives throughout the world.

The Secretary-General said the cooperative movement has become a significant force in global civil society with more than 760 million people in more than 100 countries now engaged in the sector.

“It is encouraging indeed that cooperatives and governments are working together more closely to provide opportunities for people to improve their lives,” Mr. Annan noted. Cooperatives provide essential services, such as appropriate and affordable housing, utilities, infrastructure, health care, and social, financial and insurances services, he added.

Mr. Annan said the UN recognizes the important contribution cooperatives make on the ground, hence the world body produced guidelines to help its Member States create a supportive environment for the establishment of such associations.