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The Role of Cooperatives

Cooperatives play a major role in creating an inclusive and sustainable economy around the world. As people-centered businesses, cooperatives enable a locally anchored development process, thanks to their specific model based on self-help, democratic ownership, and concern for the community.

To demonstrate the impact of Cooperative Development Organizations (CDOs), the U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Council (OCDC) and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) joined forces to demonstrate the extensive reach and scope CDOs have - invoking greater collaboration with development partners. 

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What are CDOs?

Cooperative Development Organizations (CDOs) are cooperatives and cooperative support organizations, that support and/or implement development projects outside their home countries. CDOs believe that cooperatives are ideal engines for development, since they empower people to fulfill their human, social and economic rights and needs.

The data displayed on this portal provides access to information from around 30 CDOs. The goal is to strengthen the network, encourage world-wide exchanges and connect CDOs to new partners and stakeholders.

Cooperative Development Organizations

Economic and Social Development Center of Palestine (ESDC)

ESDC is a Palestinian results and rights based development-oriented NGO, building the capacities of cooperatives, member based organizations (MBO) and the sector focusing on natural resources management, agriculture, food security, and social economy.

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DGRV – German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation

The DGRV – German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation - is both the apex and auditing association of the German cooperative organisation. The Confederation’s purpose is to promote and represent the mutual interests of its members and their affiliated cooperative institutions. Since more than 30 years, DGRV provides consultancy to cooperative partners abroad and promotes the development of sustainable cooperative systems and structures worldwide.

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AJEEC NISPED

AJEEC NISPED, founded by the Israel coop movement, is specialized in the development of cooperatives with a focus on the strong correlation between the business management and community development aspects as a prerequisite for the success of a cooperative. We help cooperatives to have both a positive social impact and a commercial success. We act as knowledge center for the Israeli Cooperative movement sharing our experience and expertise through programs and projects designed to support the successful establishment and management of cooperatives in the world.

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