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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

Legacoop - Alleanza Delle Cooperative Italiane

Italian national apex cooperative organization representing around 10.000 cooperatives active in all the economic sectors, with 7.4 million individual members and around 457.000 employees. Legacoop is articulated in seven sectoral associations and regional/territorial branches covering the national territory. Legacoop supports cooperatives through specialized structures (for training, financial support, digitalization, etc.). 

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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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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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