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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

NRECA International

NRECA International is a non-profit rural development services organization that promotes rural economic development by providing access to safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Since 1962, NRECA International has helped establish more than 250 power utilities and electric cooperatives in 48 countries. This is done by implementing electrification programs and projects, empowering more than 160 million people worldwide.

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Korean Federation of Community Credit Cooperatives (KFCC)

KFCC is to guide and supervise the management of Saemaul Geumgo (primary cooperative), and thus to promote common interests. KFCC regulates Saemaul Geumgo’s operational funds as its central bank as well as offering insurance for Saemaul Geumgo and its members.
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Co-operative College

Born over 100 years ago out of a need for radical education that fights for social justice, our mission is to inspire and enable people, through co-operative learning, to transform lives and tackle inequalities in their communities, creating a fairer world. 

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