Cooperatives are "a unique and invaluable presence in today's world." - Ban Ki-Moon, UN General Secretary
On October 31st, 2011, the United Nations officially launched the 2012 International Year of Co-operatives (IYC) in New York City. The IYC is a year-long celebration and acknowledgement of this unique, alternative business model that empowers members to govern their own society and enjoy equal benefits while forwarding socio-economic development.
The UN decided this year’s theme based on the advantages that cooperatives provide their members and communities. The IYC is an opportunity to direct the world’s attention to this model used by millions of people worldwide. During the International Co-operative Alliance General Assembly, UN General Secretary, Ban-ki Moon commended the movement, “co-operatives are a unique and invaluable presence in today’s world. They help to reduce poverty and generate jobs.” The International Co-operative Alliance President, Dame Pauline Green also addressed the Assembly, adding that, “co-operatives have been resilient during this economic crisis, building a better world for their members, and the International Year of Co-operatives offers us all an opportunity to take this message to the people of the world. It’s our opportunity to tell this positive, powerful story.”
This year is also important in Kenya where approximately 1 person in 5 is a member of a cooperative. The Kenyan Ministry of Cooperative Development and Marketing notes that there are over 8 million co-op members in Kenya who participate in 13,000 registered societies. This group has mobilized more than Kshs 230 billion. It is for these reasons that the cooperative movement is praised for stimulating economic growth in the country. Cooperatives have been fundamental in pursuing the goals of Kenya's Vision 2030 as well as the Millennium Development Goals.
To learn more about the cooperative movement and the International Year of the Cooperative visit these websites:
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