Waving Flags

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

We Effect

We Effect is the international development organisation of the Swedish cooperative movement. We support partner organisations in 20 countries to advocate for the rights of their members.

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Equal Exchange

Equal Exchange is a worker-owned cooperative with a mission to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through our success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more equitable, democratic and sustainable world.

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Cera & BRS (Belgian Raiffeisen Foundation)

With 400 000 enthusiastic members, we are the most remarkable and friendly cooperative in Belgium. Together we can share experiences, achieve more and invest better: in initiatives that are effective and connect people, in projects that benefit us all 

Through microfinancing and microinsurance, BRS helps to sustainably improve the quality of life of rural entrepreneurs and farmers in the South. Not merely with cash, but above all with advice and in a dialogue with the stakeholders.


 

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