Global Cooperative Leaders Launch New Economy Manifesto at Doha Summit

Global Cooperative Leaders Launch Manifesto in Doha

At the Global Summit for Social Development held in Doha, Qatar, a groundbreaking initiative named the Cooperatives and Mutuals Leadership Circle (CM50) was unveiled. This initiative, driven by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), convenes leaders from some of the world's largest cooperative and mutual enterprises.

Prominent figures such as Jayen Mehta from Amul in India, Shirine Khoury Haq from the Co-op Group in the UK, Howard Brodsky from CCA Global Partners in the US, Fabíola da Silva Nader Motta from OCB in Brazil, and Rob Wesseling from The Cooperators in Canada participated in this ambitious launch. The event serves as a recognition of the cooperative business model’s critical role in advancing sustainable development, social inclusion, and economic resilience.

During the summit, attendees highlighted that the Political Declaration of Doha emphasizes cooperatives as leaders in the social and solidarity economy. This declaration encourages entrepreneurship, the creation of decent jobs, and the promotion of social inclusion.

The ICA, in conjunction with the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC), organized a pivotal session during the event that gathered heads of state, UN representatives, cooperative and mutual leaders, and international partners. This session marked the closing ceremony for the UN's International Year of Cooperatives 2025, celebrating the contributions of cooperatives to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and launching the ICA’s strategic plan for 2026-2030.

Ariel Guarco, President of the ICA, shared insights about the significance of cooperatives in building fairer and more resilient economies and societies. He stated, "The Political Declaration of Doha and the 2025 UN Secretary-General's report on Cooperatives in Social Development both recognize this unique contribution. As we complete the IYC2025 in Doha, we look forward with renewed energy to enhance the footprint of cooperation as a key accelerator of the UN's sustainable development goals."

Moreover, the ICA presented a special edition of the World Cooperative Monitor that sheds light on the social and economic impacts of the cooperative movement. This edition reveals that the top 300 cooperatives globally have a combined revenue of $2.8 trillion, positioning them as the eighth-largest economy in the world. It also includes interviews with cooperative leaders showcasing how democratically-run, people-focused businesses thrive in modern markets.

Founded in 1895, the ICA aims to promote and strengthen cooperative enterprises, guided by democratic principles, equality, and shared prosperity. The launch of the CM50 signifies an important leap forward for cooperatives in their mission to address economic challenges and enhance community resilience around the globe.

For more information, you can visit ICA's official website.