Cooperatives can build socio-economic resilience during crises: UN
Geneva, 6 July 2013: The International Day of Cooperatives provides an opportunity
to spotlight how such enterprises can help build resilience in all socio-economic
spheres in times of “global uncertainty,” United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
said on Saturday.
“Over the course of the ongoing global financial and economic
crises, financial cooperatives have proven their strength and resilience, benefitting
members, employees and customers,” said Mr. Ban in his message marking the Day, which
this year is on the theme, “Cooperative Enterprise Remains Strong in Times of Crisis.”
With
the world facing multiple crises, and with natural disasters testing even the most
robust economies and communities, cooperatives have meanwhile maintained high credit
ratings, increased assets and turnover, and expanded their membership and customer
base, the UN chief said.
“After disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and
floods, cooperatives have shown their ability to mobilize solidarity for reconstruction,”
he continued, noting that agricultural cooperatives improve the productivity of farmers
by facilitating access to markets, credit, insurance and technology.
Providing
a further example, Mr. Ban explained that social cooperatives can provide an important
safety net in the face of declining or minimal public welfare. They also show considerable
potential for empowering youth and alleviating the growing global youth jobs crisis.
“On this International Day of Cooperatives, I call on Governments to encourage
policies to support and strengthen cooperatives so they can contribute fully to inclusive
and sustainable development,” he said.
In his message, Guy Ryder, Director-General
of the UN International Labour Organization (ILO), praised the Day's theme as “a positive
and encouraging affirmation at a time when confidence in enterprises and their respect
for basic human values and ethical principles has often been badly shaken.”
“The
celebration of International Cooperative Day is a welcome reminder that solidarity
generates strength and the capacity to build, and that effective organizational and
business models can indeed be founded on values of justice and solidarity,” Mr. Ryder
added.Source: UN