Inside the Editor’S Pen Ramón Imperial, ICA‐Americas President P

Issue Nº 19 // November 2013 ICA-Americas Newsletter

CONTINENTAL CONGRESS OF THE ICA MET POPE FRANCIS ROBERTO RODRIGUES AT THE 18TH COOPERATIVE LAW In private audience Pope Francis ex‐ REGIONAL CONFERENCE The event was a fundamental step to lay pressed his confidence in co‐operatives The FAO special ambassador for coopera‐ the foundations for true cooperative law, as a crucial part of the global economy tives talked about the present scenario of capable of analyzing and proposing ap‐ for the future, and a way of dealing with global transformation and the role of proaches about a singular form of eco‐ some of the world’s most pressing prob‐ cooperatives for the sustainable develop‐ nomic organization. (page 8) lems. (page 16) ment of the planet. (page 10)

Inside The Editor’s Pen Ramón Imperial, ICA‐Americas President p. 2

Interview: Our challenge is “OUR CHALLENGE to maintain a balanced development IS TO MAINTAIN A p. 3

Interview: BALANCED Co‐operatives have spent too long talking to each other DEVELOPMENT” p. 4 (page 3) Interview: Cooperatives in the Americas are showing leadership in terms of legislation p. 6 TH 18 ICA‐AMERICAS REGIONAL CONFERENCE The Continental Congress of Cooperative Law generated COOPERATIVE DECADE: SCENARIOS AND PERSPECTIVES relations of collaboration and scientific interchange p. 8

“What we have always done is not enough to meet the 2020 challenge” p. 10

Sectoral meetings at the 18th ICA‐Americas Regional Conference p. 11

A global network of Parliamentarians who support cooperatives. Just a dream? p. 15

The ICA met Pope Francis p. 16

ICA-Americas Newsletter is an e-publication of the International Co-operative Alliance for the Americas DAME PAULINE GREEN:

“CO‐OPERATIVES HAVE SPENT TOO LONG TALKING TO EACH OTHER” (page 4)

CHARLES GOULD:“COOPERATIVES IN THE [email protected] AMERICAS ARE SHOWING LEADERSHIP IN Phone: + (506) 2296 0981 TERMS OF LEGISLATION” Fax: + (506) 2231 5842 PO BOX: 6648 -1000 (page 6)

{ The Editor’s Pen }

Once again, thanks to the invaluable participation of the cooperative movement in this region, the 18th ICA-Americas Regional Conference fulfilled our expectations. Almost 1000 cooperators travelled from every corner of the Americas to the city of Guarujá in Sao Paulo, Brazil, to analyze the main issues regarding the cooperative movement these days. In this Regional Conference, we were able to discuss together the Blueprint for a Cooperative Decade. We all agreed that it is an ambitious plan that aims at important achievements for the movement. The Blueprint for a Cooperative Decade was ap- proved during the International Cooperative Alliance Assembly in Manchester 2012. Throughout this year, ICA-Americas has been promoting the Blueprint and enabling Manuel Mariño cooperatives to know it and understand it. We have also participated in numerous ICA Americas activities in different countries of the region to spread the word about this initiative. Regional Director However, the 18th ICA-Americas Regional Conference was crucial to advance in the promotion of the Blueprint. It is important to highlight that the Blueprint does not just depend on ICA or the ICA -Americas. Its success is directly linked to the actions adopted by cooperative organizations, members and non-members of the ICA, so that this idea can be imple- mented in their own countries. This is the only way we are going to succeed in achieving the desired objectives. We think we have taken a step forward and thus, the Blueprint is now known and shared by a lot of people. Yet, there are still hundreds of thousands of cooperators that have not been in touch with it. At ICA-Americas, we will continue with our promotion work, supporting cooperatives and organizing new activities. But we must not forget that the main work is to be done by cooperatives themselves. The Blueprint has five main axes: Identity, Participation and Governance, Sustain- ability, Capital and Legal Frameworks. We believe that our region is well-suited to address the axis of sustainability, in all its dimensions but particularly in terms of environmental sustainability. There is no doubt that there is still a long way ahead but in this region we are fully aware of the implications of sustainability and a great concern on it. Our main challenges in the future are related to axes involving governance and participation, and capital. We have to figure out how to increase member participation. The possibility of using social networks to foster participation within cooperatives should not be left aside. They can be very efficient for those cooperators who cannot participate via the traditional channels. It is also true that there are several governance problems that should be addressed and in terms of capital we are aware of the fact that it is a challenge of all cooperatives, not only in this region, but in every region of the world. Again, thank you very much for your commitment with this event and we invite you to continue building our unity by joining us in the next 3rd Cooperative Summit of the Americas to be held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia from 2 nd to 7th Novem- ber, 2014.

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Interview “OUR CHALLENGE IS TO MAINTAIN A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT”

ICA-Americas President, Ramon Imperial Zúñiga, talked to ICA- Americas Newsletter in the framework of the 18th ICA-Americas Regional Conference. According to this cooperative leader, working for the balance between the cooperative philosophy and business matters such as better administration and capitalization is the great challenge for the sector in the region over the next years. How do you see the cooperative movement of the region nowa- days? In our continent the cooperative movement is increasingly developing. In fact, in global terms this is one of the regions that is having the biggest growth. But this does not mean that we are well. It is still necessary to improve many things. We must balance the growth of our cooperatives in such a way that we guarantee sustainability and balanced development of our cooperatives in all the countries. I believe that a lot has been made. We have taken advantage of the cific strategies, and if we work on what needs to be improved is the 2012 International Year of Coop- them, they will boost an integral business character of the coopera- eratives. We are having a new im- development of cooperatives. Yes, tive model. We need to have better pulse but we still have several I believe it is likely that by 2020 cooperative management and a challenges ahead. we could be one of the fastest better capitalization of our coop- growing business model. Do you think that cooperatives eratives. If we suitably balance can be the fastest growing busi- Which are the greatest chal- our capacity to follow the coopera- ness model by the end of the dec- lenges for cooperatives in this tive principles and values, together ade? decade? with better cooperative management, we will be having an inte- I believe we do have many possi- In America, most cooperatives in bilities. In fact, the Blueprint for a our countries are aligned to the co- gral development. That is our Cooperative Decade designed by operative philosophy, to the coop- greatest challenge: to maintain a ICA, contains five axes with spe- erative identity. In my opinion, balanced development.

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Interview DAME PAULINE GREEN: “COOPERATIVES HAVE SPENT TOO LONG TALKING TO EACH OTHER”

ICA President, Dame Pauline You have mentioned many times given us confidence. For me the Green participated in the ICA- that the International Year of greatest thing the International Americas Regional Conference. Cooperatives opened a door. But Year has given the movement is The cooperative leader was rec- that, if we don’t know how to the confidence to start speaking ognized by her enthusiasm and take advantage of the moment passion. “I love these confer- that door would close? What do ences in the Americas. They are you think was the most impor- “ When any very vibrant, they are full of en- tant door that the International cooperative gets in ergy and you get a sense of our Year of Cooperatives has trouble it is usually cooperative movement that really opened? because is thriving, prospering; with peo- What the international Year has it lost touch with ple wanting to create more” she given us inside the movement is a its members. told ICA-Americas Newsletter in great sense of our cohesion, our an exclusive interview. size, our significance. And that’s ”

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outside of ourselves. Cooperatives have spent too long talking to each other. We need to bring more people into our world. We need to show more people what coops can do for them. We can show them how we can put food in their chil- dren’s stomachs, give them homes, provide health for them, housing, agricultural coops. It can do all these things. Many more people need to know about it. Our big ambition is to grow the coopera- somewhere in the world. In which ways could cooperative movement across the world. One thing about coops it is they tives take part in this initiative? That’s what the International Year share; so if there’s something hap- Cooperatives are absolutely the es- has given us. pening in India that might work sential part of it. All our coopera- What is the message you would here, they’ll tell you how to do it. tives need to be as good as they like to share with the coopera- And that’s what’s great about this can be to showcase to the world tives in the Americas? movement. It serves so many peo- the size of the movement. You ple so many families. It’s a sharing know cooperatives across the I know they are already an active -caring organization. world are owned by over one bil- part of just about everything in the lion of the world citizens. One bil- international cooperative family. lion people have chosen to be part So what I’m hoping is that they of a cooperative because it gives would continue to show the initia- “ What the international them something. Not because it’s tive. To look at new sectors of the a kind of idealistic dream but be- Year has given us inside economy where they can start co- cause it’s real to them, it does operatives, to ensure that coopera- the movement is a great something for them. So I think co- tives stay front-of-mind for their sense of our cohesion, operatives themselves need to national decision makers. Don’t our size, our make sure that their businesses are allow cooperatives to disappear significance (...) The working really well; that their de- off the political agenda. Keep greatest thing the mocracy is active; that they keep encouraging people to join. They them there. Keep them thinking International Year has look for people who might be ac- about what more we can do with given the movement is cooperatives. Come up with ideas. tive within their movement. They the confidence to start train them, they teach them. Don’t That’s what it is all about. speaking outside of forget your members. Your mem- There’s plenty of energy here, ourselves. Cooperatives bers are vital. When any coopera- there’s plenty of enthusiasm for have spent too long tive gets in trouble it is usually be- cooperatives. What we need to do cause it lost touch with its mem- talking to each other. is to make sure that they learn bers. And if a cooperative is a from the rest of the world what We need to bring more good as it can be in it governance, can be done. Because whatever people into our world. in its democracy, in whatever it is business you want to start as a co- doing commercially, their service operative, someone has started ” to members, it is going to grow.

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Interview ICA GENERAL DIRECTOR SAID COOPERATIVES IN THE AMERICAS ARE SHOWING LEADERSHIP IN TERMS OF LEGISLATION

During the 18th ICA-Americas What kind of commitment do goals. It has to be something that Regional Conference, ICA- you expect from the America’s inspires cooperatives everywhere. Americas Newsletter interviewed region to achieve the goals of the They have to adapt it, they have to the General Director of the Inter- Blueprint for a Cooperative apply it to their own regional and national Cooperative Alliance Decade? country specific situation, and we (ICA), who highlighted the initia- are seeing that happening. We are tive and leadership of the coopera- We are very excited by the level of seeing countries around the world tives in the region of the Americas enthusiasm that we’ve seen around translating this to their own lan- in terms of legislation, public poli- the Blueprint. And we are excited guages; we have some two dozen cies and legal frameworks. Also, that members in every region have languages now that this has been Charles Gould said that the ICA been using this as a framework for translated into that we’ve put on was inspired by the work done in their own planning. That is ideal the website. And our hope is that our region, for the creation of a because it can’t just be an Interna- this becomes not just a launch of Global Parliamentarians Network tional Cooperative Alliance Blue- the Blueprint but a campaign for within the ICA. print or it will never reach its the rest of the decade to achieve

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these very aggressive goals that use to shorthand in one image to Well, the Americas region has will raise the visibility and aware- the public that they are a coopera- really taken the lead around legis- ness of the cooperative model of tive. We also will have there a lative issues, policies, legal frame- enterprise. Town Hall Forum held by a group work issues. There is here the Par- that we are calling the Blue Rib- In global terms, on which of the liamentarian Meeting, that’s oc- bon Commission on Cooperative key themes of the Blueprint do curring. We have been inspired by Capital, and these are high-level you think that have made pro- that to create a Global Parliamen- world-class thinkers and practitio- gress? tarians Network within the Inter- ners in cooperative organizations national Cooperative Alliance that The five themes are equally im- who understand International Fi- we are in the process of forming. portant and they are connected. nance and Economics. The idea is We can’t really make progress in that we want to hear from mem- We also, in order to focus our pub- one without the other. We think bers their experience in accessing lic policy work, are drafting now they have to move together. So, growth capital, starter capital. And the outlines of something we are there is participation, sustainabil- this group will then assess that and calling “Doing Cooperative Busi- ity, identity, legal framework and use what they know and what they ness”. And this is intended to sup- capital. And we are in the starting hear to shape the direction we plement a very comprehensive re- stages of initiatives in each of move with public institutions, with port that the World Bank produces those areas that we will be unveil- the World Bank, with the IMF, every year called “Doing Busi- ing in Cape Town, South Africa, with public financial institutions ness”. The World Bank doesn’t from November 2nd to 5th when and, accessing financial capital for look at cooperatives, it looks as we’ll have our Biannual Confer- cooperatives. We have a sustain- small businesses generally, it ence and General Assembly. We ability scan that we will be releas- looks at every country, and looks will be, for example, in the area of ing in Cape Town which has been at scores of factors on how easy or identity revealing there a new co- analyzing how cooperatives difficult it is to startup in busi- operative marque which is an em- around the world use sustainabil- nesses in those countries. What we blem image that cooperatives ity, think of sustainability, their want to do is to focus on a handful around the world, members of ICA sustainability practices, so we can of critical factors for cooperatives. and their members, will be able to determine the extent to which we For example, there’s a public pol- can claim, as we would like to do, icy prohibiting cooperatives from that the cooperative model is the working in some sectors like in- (…) it can’t just be an “ most sustainable model of busi- surance or banking. Our govern- International Cooperative ness. That it inclines by its design ment entities prohibited from con- Alliance Blueprint or it towards sustainability. So these tracting with cooperatives. will never reach its goals. are just a few of the areas where we are making some very real ini- We want to then assess how It has to be something tial progress. These all will be just friendly the environment is in each that inspires cooperatives foundational initiatives from country towards cooperatives. And everywhere. They have to which will then grow and decide we think that this will help us and adapt it, they have to what we need to do in the future help our members have more am- apply it to their own years to reach the 2020 goals. munition when they make their regional and country One of the themes of this Re- case of what is the best practice around the legal framework and specific situation, and we gional Conference is cooperative legislation. What are the main policy framework that countries are seeing that opportunities and difficulties in should adopt in order to provide a happening. this area worldwide and in the level playing field for coopera- ” Americas? tives.

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THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS OF COOPERATIVE LAW GENERATED RELATIONS OF COLLABORATION AND SCIENTIFIC INTERCHANGE

The Continental Congress of Co- participants that it was over twenty evaluated yet; at least not at inter- operative Law during the XVIII years since a continental congress national forums in which the sub- ICA-Americas Regional Confer- of cooperative law was last held. ject is debated with participation of ence was a fundamental step to lay “The last one took place in 1992, experts from different countries. the foundations for true coopera- with significant success, in the Worldwide congresses in the mat- tive law, capable of analyzing and capital of this country that today ter have not taken place and in the proposing approaches about a sin- welcomes us”, he explained. Americas the last of its kind took gular form of economic organiza- place shortly after the fall of the tion, different from for-profit capi- Cracogna informed that since then, Berlin Wall. Thus, the number of talist businesses. there have been important changes aspects to be considered is enor- in the continent and the world. mous, particularly under the new In his introduction to the Congress, global circumstances and their im- Dante Cracogna, a well-known and “Globalization has impacted on pact on cooperative law” he stated. prestigious lawyer in cooperative Law in general, with all its positive law and member of the Legal Ad- and negative effects, and of course According to Cracogna, these visory Group of the International it has also affected cooperative law. unique circumstances cause two Cooperative Alliance, reminded the However, this impact has not been tensions: “Firstly, between global-

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izing tendencies and the affirma- tion of national laws, each trying to displace the other. Secondly, there is a tension between the tendency to apply the same legal treatment to all kinds of enterprises regard- less of their nature and the affirma- tion of the cooperative identity as a different enterprise”. In this Congress it was possible to promote the scientific development of cooperative law; to lay the foundations for true cooperative law able to analyze and theorize about a singular form of economic organization, different from for-profit capitalist businesses. In the agenda the main aspects regarding cooperative law were included and the attention paid by ICA to legal issues was underlined. “As an example, it is worth men- tioning the resolution of the Ex- traordinary Assembly held a year ago in Manchester where the creation of a legal committee was es- tablished as well as the inclusion of Legal Frameworks as one of the fundamental axes of the Blue- print for a Cooperative Decade.

ICA-Americas has led the update of the Framework Law for the Co- quate legislation for cooperatives In the framework of this Congress, operatives in Latin America, elabo- in their countries. the Handbook of International Co- rated in 1988 by the Organization operative Law was introduced. of the Cooperatives of the Ameri- The Congress was also a space of This unique work was done with cas (OCA). After a strong advo- interregional dialogue with a Panel cacy work, this Framework Law on “Cooperative Law in Europe”. the collaboration of more than was adopted by the Latin American It gathered members of the Interna- thirty authors from different coun- Parliament in 2012, and thus, it is tional Association of Cooperative tries, several from the American probable that this document will Law, based in the University of continent. The book “Guidelines acquire renewed influence in the Deusto (Spain) and members of the for Cooperative Legislation“ parliaments of the region. Further- Training Group of European Coop- by Hagen Henry was also intro- more, ICA-Americas has been or- erative Law that has the support of duced. The book was recently ganizing parliamentarians meetings the European Institute of Research translated into Spanish and will be for years in order to provide legis- of Cooperatives and Social Enter- published by International Labour lators with input to promote ade- prises. Organisation (ILO) soon.

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“WHAT WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE IS NOT ENOUGH TO MEET THE 2020 CHALLENGE”

Roberto Rodrigues, FAO special in the world in England) and it ambassador for cooperatives, for- was this way after the fall of the mer president of OCB and of the Berlin Wall. And in this time of International Cooperative Alliance crisis and transformations coop- and the International Cooperative eratives will consolidate as the Alliance for the Americas and for- third way for development. We mer Minister of Agriculture in need to embrace this opportunity Brazil, delivered the closing con- to grow and gain visibility”. ference of this important event. The nature of cooperatives, their For almost an hour, he talked principles and values, tell them about the present scenario of apart from any other kind of enter- global transformation and the role prises, and thus, they are able to of cooperatives for the sustainable face humanity’s greatest chal- development of the planet. lenges ahead. “Everybody knows have to decide what is more im- According to the cooperative that, in the short term, there will portant: social concern or eco- leader, the current scenario of un- be more than nine thousand mil- nomic performance. We have to certainty is an opportunity for co- lion people in the world, and we balance both aspects. We need to operatives to be strengthened and will have to double food produc- understand our weaknesses and positioned as the third way for de- tion to feed all these people. And turn them into strengths. We are velopment. “We are living a time this production growth needs to be businesses, that’s true. But busi- of uncertainty at the global level. done without having an impact on nesses based on human values, on After the financial crisis in 2008 the environment, without polluting justice and ethics. And of course, and 2009, rich countries started to water, without increasing the we need to make us of marketing recover and the developing nations greenhouse effect. And we need to tools. But with the following con- are trying to find their way. We take care of the environment. But cern: we have to advertise our val- have the issue of chemical attacks we also need to continue produc- ing and growing. It’s not an easy in Syria, the wreck of immigrants ues. Not just our products”. challenge, but the cooperative on the Italian coast, and now we movement has the tools to help us Once again, Roberto Rodrigues in- are seeing attacks of pirates in the meet this and other challenges”. vited cooperators around the world Atlantic Ocean. Pope Francis has to support the nomination of the expressed his views against mod- Rodrigues added that cooperatives cooperative movement to the No- ern capitalism and has been show- must raise awareness in society bel Peace Prize. “Apart from im- ing the intention of making about the kind of enterprises they proving our position in the market, changes in society. In this sce- are. It is important to show the I want to see cooperators from all nario, cooperatives have an oppor- world that cooperatives are enter- over the world supporting the tunity to excel as a third way for prises based on human values and nomination. We need to work to- sustainable development. committed to the communities gether for this recognition. Every they are involved in. Rodrigues said cooperatives single cooperator and cooperative should have more visibility. “We are businesses, that’s true. in the world has to contribute to “Cooperatives were born in times But we are businesses that bring this nomination so as to recognize of crisis. It was this way in Roch- happiness to people. We are enter- and revalue our work in favour of dale (home of the first cooperative prises with values. And we don’t peace”.

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SECTORAL MEETINGS AT THE 18TH ICA-AMERICAS REGIONAL CONFERENCE

More than a thousand cooperators leaders: ICA President, Dame mer president and former Minister from the Americas gathered at the Pauline Green; ICA Director Gen- of Brazil, Roberto Rodrigues and; 18th ICA-Americas Regional Con- eral, Charles Gould; ICA- the President of the Organization ference in Guarujá, Sao Paulo, Americas President, Ramón Impe- of Brazilian Cooperatives (OCB), Brazil. The event was honored by rial; ICA-Americas Regional Di- Marcio Lopes de Freitas, among the presence of top cooperative rector, Manuel Mariño; ICA for- others.

9th Gender Equity Meeting uniting genders. “Two wings of of the Blueprint (Participation, our society that need to fly to- Sustainability, Identity, Legal ICA President Dame Pauline gether. That means men and Framework and Capital). Green delivered the first confer- women working together” she un- ence of this meeting. An active The Gender Equity Meeting had derlined. follower of the gender cause, five more conferences, all provid- Pauline Green started affirming The central theme of her confer- ing interesting insight regarding that her participation was not only ence was “Women’s Role in the the participation of women in co- a matter of commitment. “This is Blueprint for a Cooperative Dec- operatives. part of me, part of who I am. This ade: more important than ever?” 4th Insurance Sector Meeting is the way I see the world. This is Pauline Green explained the nec- the century of women” she stated. essary ingredients of the ideal rec- Rafael Moliterno, president of In- She explained all this issue is not ipe for the development of the surance Unimed (Brazil) talked about being against man but for women movement: the five axes about Risk management in coop-

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erative businesses. “Cooperatives could affect it and to administer are increasingly managing larger such risks. quantities and very important val- Meeting of the Agriculture ues. Thus, avoiding operative and Sector and Meeting of the market risks is relevant in order to Network of Agricultural maintain a healthy survival and Cooperatives of the Americas preserve the assets of the cooperative” he said. The meeting also Alan Bojanic, FAO representative, analyzed themes like disasters and delivered the conference Over- the need of insurance for coopera- view of Agricultural Cooperatives tives. The market of the sector in the Americas: Future Chal- was also discussed. lenges. “We believe cooperatives can feed the world. Cooperatives “Our aim is to look for an increase have the social and the business in Latin America similar to the aspects and that make them a stra- model for the next decades. Rod- world average, with the develop- tegic instrument in the production rigo Gouveia, CCW Secretary- ment of cooperatives and mutu- of food for the future and to guar- General, highlighted the impor- als”, Moliterno stated. antee food security. Our mission is tance of Gould’s presence at the According to Moliterno, every co- not only to support cooperatives meeting. “His participation shows operative enterprise has threats but also to actively participate in not only the disposition of ICA to and risks that need to be cared for. the whole process”, he stressed. show us their plans, but also the Risk Management is a structured Following this conference, a stra- confidence that sectoral organiza- approach to manage the relative tegic plan for the cooperatives of tions have what it takes to accom- uncertainty of a threat, develop- the sector was debated and the plish the planned goals and to turn ment strategies to handle it and to Meeting of the Network of Agri- cooperatives into a success by mitigate the risk using managerial cultural Cooperative of Americas 2020.” resources. Cooperative Risk Man- took place. Case studies about consumer co- agement is a process undertaken operatives were presented and by the Board, administration and Consumer Cooperatives analyzed. “Challenges ahead are personnel of the entity. It is used Seminar bigger day by day and they have in the strategy of every enterprise, ICA Director General, Charles to reflect exactly what we are go- to identify potential events that Gould, discussed the cooperative ing to do in the next years”, he added. 4th Cooperative Education Meeting The meeting started with a talk- debate with the aim of introducing and sharing ICA-Americas Peda- gogical Model of Cooperative Education as a methodological instrument for the work of Educa- tion Committees. Among other topics, participants discussed pedagogical models with the format of a digital library as an educational tool.

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4th Financial Sector Meeting The main objective of this meeting was to define the lines of ac- tion for a Cooperative Decade, from the perspective of the cooperative financial sector. The most important topics addressed were business sustainability, corpora- tive image in financial cooperatives, product diversification and market development as well as legal and regulatory issues. Cooperatives in this sector had the opportunity to know good practices as a way to share know-how ter products and services and to ployment Ministry of Brazil deliv- and promote cooperation. Partici- fulfill the social objective of the ered a presentation entitled The pants discussed the importance of entities. role of governments facing the challenge of sustainability of strengthening capital and taking First Worker Cooperatives worker cooperatives. “This meet- care of the most important factor Meeting in a cooperative: its members. ing is of enormous wealth. We The group focused on worker co- have an alternative for the world: The main challenge for this sector operatives in the global context. cooperatives. This event will help is to access reliable capital guar- The main forum was: Obstacles us to persuade society that this is anteeing, at the same time, mem- and Opportunities for Worker Co- the way worth following. The co- ber control. Strengthening capital operatives growth in the Ameri- operative movement has a great in cooperative organizations is a cas. Roberto Marinho from the potential as an inclusion tool for priority to enable sustainable de- National Secretariat of Social people, a tool to alleviate poverty velopment as a means to offer bet- Economy of the Labour and Em- and an economic tool; but it can

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never neglect cooperative iden- better and smarter business mod- sage places participation and sus- tity” Marinho said. els, more capable of reacting to tainability as intrinsic features of the different circumstances”. Also, cooperatives. We need interest and 9th Youth Meeting young cooperators think coopera- involvement from the young gen- Cooperative youth representatives tives “cannot miss out the oppor- erations, who also contribute to in the region shared their views tunities to inspire and catch a new shaping identity and the coopera- about the importance of actively generation of members”. tive message”. participating in the Blueprint for a In the conclusions of the meeting, Seminar of Utilities Cooperative Decade, and particu- participants said that “there are Co-operatives larly worked on the themes of Par- potential young members that do ticipation and Identity. According The Seminar of Utilities Coopera- not see a clear message from the to the cooperative youth the prin- tives included a call to promote cooperative sector, and this is why ciple of Participation “leads to the Network of Utilities Coopera- it is very important that the mes- tives in all the Americas as a central means to share experiences, knowledge and debate on this kind of cooperatives. This idea was also mentioned several times by Mr. Peter Porschen from the International Labour Office (ILO), as an example of cooperative inte- gration centered in green jobs and common good, during the II Key Conference on Visibility and Posi- tioning of the Cooperative Move- ment.

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8th Parliamentarians Meeting A GLOBAL NETWORK OF PARLIAMENTARIANS WHO SUPPORT COOPERATIVES. JUST A DREAM?

According to those who participated in the 8th Parliamentarians Meeting, there is a strong possibility that a global network of Parlia- mentarians that support cooperatives could be a reality. Until now, national networks on various Na- tional Congresses have been constituted, which is an important step forward for the construction of a Continental Network of Par- liamentarians. Senator Luis Rubeo (term in office ended) said that with this kind of actions we could dream “in the near future” of having “a network of parliamentari- need of strengthening the idea of parliamentarians involved but also ans at global level, interconnected the cooperative model as a valid because it is clear their work has by cooperatives”. tool for economic and social de- resulted in good legislations that The 8th Parliamentarians Meeting velopment of the nations; the im- enable cooperatives to stop being of ICA-Americas gathered repre- portance of the Framework Law the ugly duckling in society. Many sentatives from Brazil, Ecuador, for Cooperatives in Latin Amer- times cooperatives are treated un- Peru, Argentina, Paraguay and Bo- ica, and the promotion of modifi- equally by the state. There are leg- livia. On this occasion the Decla- cations that have taken place in islations that prevent these organi- rations of the Parliamentarians national cooperative legislations. zations from freely developing in every activity”. Meetings from 2003 to 2012 were Senator Luis Rubeo, representa- ratified. They also focused on the tive of the Parlatino in the Net- Recognition of the work done by work, said that in this 8th. Meet- the Americas region ing they assessed the growth and According to Charles Gould, Di- development of the Network in rector General of the ICA, the the continent and expressed that Americas region has really taken “they are very happy to see how the lead around legislative issues, many congresses have already policies, legal framework. “There constituted their national net- is here the Parliamentarians Net- works”. work of the Americas We have Rubeo explained that the creation been inspired by that to create a of National Parliamentarians Net- Global Parliamentarians Network works in Argentina and Brazil are within the International Coopera- good examples to follow. “Not tive Alliance that we are in the only in terms of the number of process of forming”.

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4TH MEETING OF INSTITUTES OF COOPERATIVE PROMOTION, SUPERVISION, REGULATION AND CREDIT A highlight of the Meeting was the the creation of the group were ana- formalization of the Network as a discussion on the creation of the lyzed. means of raising awareness on the Network of Institutes of Coopera- role played by these institutes in The 4th Meeting of Institutes of tive Promotion, Supervision, their countries. Also, participants Cooperative Promotion, Supervi- Regulation and Credit in the worked in a proposal of Rules of sion, Regulation and Credit was Americas. On the occasion, the the Network to advance in the de- crucial to study the proposal of regulations and mechanisms for sired formalization of this group. THE ICA MET POPE FRANCIS

A delegation from the co- In welcoming the group to the with the Pontifical Council for So- operative movement was wel- Vatican, Pope Francis told of the cial Justice and Peace. comed by Pope Francis at a pri- day in 1954 when his father had vate audience in the Vatican City brought him and his brothers to- Pope Francis received on October in October, 2013. Pope Francis, gether to talk to them about the 15th a delegation of representa- who had already publicly ex- impact of co-operatives on local tives from the co-operative sector. pressed his concern about the communities, and how this has Invited by the Vatican were Dame growing injustice, inequality and lived with him ever since. He Pauline Green, President of the In- exclusion in the society, expressed praised co-operatives sustainable ternational Co-operative Alliance his confidence in co-operatives as vision for a more just, more bal- (ICA), Mr Charles Gould, Direc- a crucial part of the global econ- anced and more stable economy, tor General (ICA), Ramon Impe- omy for the future, and a way of and expressed the Vatican’s inten- rial Zuniga, President of ICA dealing with some of the world’s tion of ensuring further contact Americas, Manuel Mariño, Re- most pressing problems. between the co-operative sector gional Director ICA Americas.

16 ICA-Americas Newsletter // Issue Nº 19 // November 2013

Representing the Co-operative Confederation of the Argentinian Republic (Cooperar) were Mr. Ariel Guarco, President and Mr Ricardo López, Secretary. The meeting lasted nearly 45 minutes.

POPE FRANCIS’ TOUGH CRITIQUE

Pope Francis launched a tough critique of injustices in today’s society, and particularly the failure of the present economic model to meaningfully integrate young as well as elderly people. He ques- tioned how society could let itself be carried to a point where highly Charles Gould, ICA General Di- A MESSAGE FOR ALL developed nations such as Spain rector, said that the co-operative COOPERATORS and Italy reach a 40% youth un- sector considers the Vatican’s in- As a sign of the support of the employment rate. Pope Francis vitation “a historic landmark”. Vatican to the cooperative move- emphasized his confidence in co- ment, Peter K. A. Cardenal Turk- operative enterprises to build a fu- “People today feel disconnected son, President of the Pontificial ture where people are at the cen- from the dominant economic and Council «Justice and Peace” sent ter, instead of profit. "If people a social models, while those very a greeting to Dame Pauline Green block away die of cold or hunger, models control their lives. I think on the occasion of the ICA Gen- it receives no media attention. you see this in the Occupy Wall eral Assembly which was held in But, if stocks fall 2 or 3 points in Street, Occupy London, occupy Cape Town, South Africa in No- London or New York, it’s on air everywhere movements, this idea vember 2013. immediately”, he said. that ‘this isn’t working for us’. And it’s not isolated, it’s very In his message, Cardinal Turkson widely felt. This most positive CO-OPERATIVE SECTOR refers back to the meeting held in meeting with the Vatican confirms REACHES OUT TO ALL the Vatican City in October and that the co-operative sector’s con- ORGANIZATIONS SHARING the ideological coincidences be- cerns are shared by important ac- THEIR VIEWS tween both social movements. tors in society and that we must Dame Pauline Green said the co- join forces with other organiza- “We have heard of the activities operative sector “is delighted to tions outside the co-operative that will be held on this occasion, share this vision for a more inclu- movement, sharing our resolve to in which the cooperative move- sive, balanced and empowering improve, diversify and balance so- society”. ment will continue strengthening ciety and economy for the better”. the Blueprint for a Cooperative Pauline Green explained that: Decade. You work to spread this Pope Francis to send a message of “Something is moving in society, model and let people know your support and encouragement to the and co-operatives are proud to be valuable contribution to social, movement’s World Assembly to a driving, but highly sustainable economic and environmental sus- be held in Cape Town, South Af- platform for an economy in which tainability”. its voice is heard.” rica, 1 to 5 November this year.

ICA-Americas Newsletter // Issue Nº 19 // November 2013 17

SHORT ica NEWS

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the ICA have strengthened their collabora‐ 1 tion by signing a memorandum of understanding. The document highlights the unique contribution of agri‐ cultural co‐operatives in fighting against hunger and poverty. On the occasion the FAO Director‐ General said that last year’s Day had marked the importance of agricultural co‐operatives to feeding the world and that the UN body would continue to support member countries in providing the right conditions for the growth of co‐operatives. President of the Alliance, Dame Pauline Green, said that as sustainability‐ driven enterprises, co‐operatives have a key role to play in the sustainable eradication of hunger and poverty.

Five key themes have been announced for the 2014 International Summit of Cooperatives in Canada. Under 2 the theme "Cooperatives' Power of Innovation," the business‐focused event for board members, presidents and chief executives, will concentrate on food security; health and social care services; employment; financing and capitalisation and developing co‐operative and mutual businesses. Thousands of delegates are set to at‐ tend the event in Quebec City from 6‐9 October, which is hosted by Desjardins Group and the International Co‐operative Alliance. A range of presentations, forums, and roundtables will allow participants from around the world to discuss subjects that speak to co‐operatives and mutuals of the 21st century. More information at http://www.intlsummit.coop.

The International Co‐operative Alliance has appointed Rodrigo Gouveia as its Director of Policy. Mr Gouveia 3 is currently Secretary‐General of Euro Coop, which represents the interests of European consumer co‐ operatives, and at the ICA he will be charged with advancing the mission of the Alliance with intergovernmen‐ tal organisations and development agencies. When he starts in January, he will also represent the co‐operative movement within the United Nations and its specialised agencies, and build strategic relationships with select intergovernmental organisations.

The International Co‐operative Fisheries Organisation (ICFO) is urging governments to establish fisheries co‐ 4 operatives and safeguard the rights of fishers. ICA's sectoral organisation adopted a declaration that calls upon national governments to establish clear policies regarding the role and positioning of fisheries co‐operatives within their national development programmes. The declaration, which came out of the 3rd World Fisheries Co‐operative Day held in Indonesia in June, highlights the main issues governments should take into account when drafting such development programmes.

The International Cooperative Alliance has 272 member organizations from 94 countries, active in all sectors 5 of the economy. These organizations together, gather and represent more than 1,000 million cooperative members worldwide.

All of your suggestions and proposals regarding the newsletter’s contents are very important for us, since our primary goal is to provide a publication enriched by your opinions. Please send your comments to: [email protected]

ICA-Americas Newsletter // Issue Nº 19 // November 2013 An e-publication of International Cooperative Alliance for the Americas (ICA Americas) ICA is an independent, non-governmental association which unites, represents and serves co-operatives worldwide Editor: Manuel Mariño // Realization team: Natalia Acerenza, Virginia Pérez Auza and Jorge Cabrera (jcse) © ICA Americas // Contents can be reproduced without authorization on condition that the source is indicated 18