#Qatar #Doha #ICA #Cooperatives #Doha Summit

Introduction

On November 4, 2025, a significant milestone in global economic discourse took place at the World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar. A newly formed network of cooperative and mutual leaders unveiled a manifesto set to redefine principles of the global economy. This gathering emphasized cooperative business models as key players in promoting sustainable development, social inclusion, and economic resilience.

The CM50 Initiative

The Cooperatives and Mutuals Leadership Circle (CM50) is an initiative of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) that brings together leaders from major cooperative and mutual organizations worldwide. Notable participants included Jayen Mehta (Managing Director, Amul, India), Shirine Khoury Haq (CEO, Co-op Group, UK), Howard Brodsky (Co-Founder and Chairman, CCA Global Partners, USA), Fabíola da Silva Nader Motta (General Manager, OCB, Brazil), and Rob Wesseling (President and CEO, The Cooperators, Canada).

The launch of CM50 coincided with a growing recognition of the cooperative business model's effectiveness in fostering sustainable development at the Doha Summit. The political declaration underscored cooperatives as pioneers within the social and solidarity economy. Their role in enhancing entrepreneurship, creating decent work, and advancing social integration was significantly highlighted.

Solutions Session and Key Outcomes

During the summit, the ICA and the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) organized a 'Solutions Session.' This platform featured heads of state, UN representatives, cooperative leaders, and international partners discussing impactful strategies. The event also served as the conclusion of the United Nations' International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC2025), honoring the contributions of cooperatives to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In his address, Ariel Guarco, President of the ICA, proclaimed, "Cooperatives have proven their capacity to build fairer and more resilient economies and societies." He pointed out the importance of the Doha political declaration and the UN Secretary-General's report from 2025, which recognized the unique contributions of cooperatives in social development. Guarco expressed optimism about strengthening the cooperative footprint as a significant catalyst for achieving UN SDGs.

The Impact of Cooperatives

The ICA also highlighted its findings in a special edition of the World Cooperative Monitor, which detailed the economic and social impact of cooperative entities. Notably, the top 300 cooperatives globally generate an astonishing revenue of $2.8 trillion, equating to the eighth-largest economy worldwide. The report includes interviews with cooperative leaders, illustrating how democratic and human-centric businesses can thrive in modern markets.

Conclusion

Founded in 1895, the ICA is committed to promoting and strengthening cooperative enterprises based on democratic principles, equality, and collective prosperity. As we step into an era where the cooperative movement’s influence continues to grow, the revelations and commitments from the Doha Summit mark a hopeful chapter for global cooperation and development. The vision shared by leaders at the summit speaks to a future where cooperation not only drives economic prosperity but also uplifts communities and ensures shared success for a more equitable world.

For more in-depth information about the International Cooperative Alliance, visit ICA's official website.