Cooperatives play a major role in creating an inclusive and sustainable economy around the world. To demonstrate the impact of Cooperative Development Organizations (CDOs) in international cooperative development, the U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Council (OCDC) and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) join forces to create an online global data platform displaying international development projects run by CDOs. This mapping project will demonstrate the extensive reach and scope CDOs have – invoking greater collaboration with development partners.
And what are CDOs? They are cooperatives and cooperative support organizations that provide funds and/or implement development projects outside their home countries. These projects are often directed toward low or middle-income countries. The data displayed on this global map will increase access to information from around 35 CDOs for international cooperative development, including members of the ICA Development Platform (ICADP), raising their profile vis-à-vis donors, international institutions, decision makers, partners, and stakeholders.
In announcing this partnership with the ICA, Paul Hazen OCDC Executive Director said: “The data collected will document the impact of cooperatives in sustainable development and the role cooperatives play in enhancing food security, gender equality, climate change solutions and job creation. The partnership between OCDC and ICA will showcase the scale at which cooperatives are addressing these important issues, providing leadership around the world.”
Bruno Roelants, ICA Director General stated: “This new online data platform will support our strategy on evidence-based policy planning for sustainable development. It will serve as a great resource of information but also as reference on the impact of CDOs in implementing development programs across the world. It is a step forward on monitoring international cooperative development! This partnership with our longstanding member OCDC scales-up our continuous efforts in promoting the comparative advantages of cooperatives in tackling global and local challenges”.
The project is expected to be completed in 2022 and it will be available on the ICA and OCDC websites enhancing collaboration between CDOs and donors for more impactful international cooperative development.
It bears recall that rhe International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) unites, represents and serves cooperatives worldwide. Founded in 1895, it is one of the oldest non-governmental organizations.
It is the apex body representing cooperatives, which are estimated to be around 3 million worldwide, providing a global voice and forum for knowledge, expertise and coordinated action for and about cooperatives. Close to 320 organizations from 112 countries are members of the International Cooperative Alliance.
The U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Council (OCDC) brings together U.S. organizations committed to building a more prosperous world through cooperatives. Its mission is to champion, advocate and promote effective international cooperative development.
