A new book by Ariel Guarco, president of the International Cooperative Alliance, is set to bring together real-life examples of cooperative enterprises from across the world, highlighting their transformative impact on communities and economies.
The publication, which builds on Guarco’s earlier work on cooperative principles, showcases experiences from dozens of countries and presents how cooperatives are addressing global challenges through local solutions.
According to Guarco, the book draws from his visits to more than 70 countries and interactions with cooperative members worldwide, offering first-hand insights into the diversity and strength of the global cooperative movement.
The book reportedly compiles around 28 case studies spanning different regions covered by the Alliance, illustrating how cooperatives have improved livelihoods, promoted inclusion, and contributed to sustainable development. These examples demonstrate how cooperative values, such as democratic participation, equity and solidarity, are being translated into practical outcomes on the ground.
Guarco emphasises that while challenges such as climate change, inequality and access to decent work are global in nature, the solutions often emerge locally through community-driven cooperative models. The book aims to underline this principle by presenting success stories where cooperatives have empowered workers, strengthened local economies and enhanced access to essential services.
The initiative comes at a time when the cooperative movement is gaining renewed international attention, especially with the United Nations declaring 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives.
The ICA, which represents more than 300 cooperative organisations across over 100 countries, sees such publications as a way to expand awareness about the sector’s role in building a more inclusive and sustainable global economy.
Earlier, Guarco’s writings have highlighted how cooperatives contribute positively to society, the economy and the environment, advocating for business models aligned with sustainable development and social justice.
With this new book, the ICA president seeks to inspire both policymakers and practitioners by demonstrating that cooperative enterprises are not just alternative business models, but viable and scalable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.
The compilation of global examples is expected to serve as both a reference and a call to action for strengthening cooperative ecosystems worldwide.
