In anticipation of the International Year of Cooperatives in 2025, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is gearing up to bolster the global cooperative movement through its “Meet and Greet” campaign.
This initiative aims to amplify the voice of cooperatives worldwide, showcasing their pivotal role in addressing pressing issues such as climate change, poverty alleviation, equal opportunity, and fostering peace amidst conflicts over the past two centuries.
Cooperators and enthusiasts alike are cordially invited to participate in an upcoming webinar on April 4, 2024, at 10:00 CEST, marking the inaugural event of the “Meet and Greet” series. The session will feature insightful discussions with prominent figures within the cooperative community.
Siôn Whellens, board member of the UK Federation workers.coop, and Osamu Nakano, President of CICOPA Asia-Pacific and Director of international relations of the Japan Worker Cooperative Union (JWCU), will headline the event. Moderating the discussion will be Gretchen Hacquard, Director of Membership at ICA, with Francesca Zaganelli, CICOPA membership coordinator, shedding light on CICOPA’s role.
The webinar aims to deepen the understanding of ICA’s mission and its unwavering commitment to fortify and advocate for the cooperative movement globally. It encourages cooperative organizations worldwide to actively engage, learn, and explore the avenues through which ICA supports its members.
The event will also spotlight the transformative impact of cooperatives on the communities they serve, underscoring their significance in building a more equitable and sustainable world.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in discussions, pose questions, and glean insights from fellow members, elucidating the manifold benefits of joining the ICA. The event will offer simultaneous interpretation in English and French to ensure accessibility for a diverse audience.
For those interested in participating or seeking further information, Gretchen Hacquard can be contacted at hacquard@ica.coop.