Cooperatives build a better future for everyone
reported by Mehr News Agency, Gilbert Hongbo, Director General of the International Labor Organization (ILO) said in a message on the occasion of the International Day of Cooperatives that this year’s slogan is “Cooperatives They build a better future for everyone” and what better topic than to remind us of the essential role of cooperatives in sustainable development and social justice around the world.
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the ILO Declaration of Philadelphia, whose vision reflects the core values of the ILO’s mission. This declaration emphasizes the fundamental right and rights of all human beings in order to demand material well-being and spiritual development in freedom, dignity, economic security and equal opportunities. Cooperatives are the embodiment of each of these sustainable principles.
The International Co-operative Union (ICA) has been a vital partner of the ILO since its inception. Over the years, we have strengthened our partnership in advancing decent work and social justice. Currently, with the approach of 2025, which is the second International Year of Cooperatives of the United Nations and the second World Summit for Social Development, the importance of our participation is greater than in the past.
Cooperatives play an essential role in dealing with discrimination, inequalities and promoting gender equality, and it can be said that their impact is significant and widespread. To get this right, the ILO is developing methods to measure the contribution of cooperatives to our economies and societies.
As our world continues to face complex challenges, cooperatives are key to providing people-centered solutions. ILO’s continued cooperation in the Committee for the Promotion and Development of Cooperatives, along with other United Nations agencies and the international cooperative movement, is an example of this.
Another important thing about cooperatives is that they provide timely solutions. By putting people and the planet first, cooperatives can promote an environmentally just transition and a just digital transformation. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage cooperatives to work together to improve jobs and social protection in order to achieve equitable goals.
Today, we have an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between cooperatives and social economy institutions, governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and international organizations. The recently launched Global Coalition for Social Justice is doing just that. It unites different partners around a common goal and helps turn their commitments into concrete actions to advance social justice.
I am happy that the cooperative movement has joined us in this coalition. Your participation is very important to achieve our common goals. We have the power to join forces to build a more just, peaceful and sustainable future for all.
