In March 2016, ICA and the European Union signed a Framework Partnership Agreement (Europe Aid/150-053/C/ACT/Multi) to implement a multi-year, multi-country development program aimed at benefiting and advancing cooperatives worldwide. “Cooperatives in Development – People-centered Businesses in Action”, was implemented by the four ICA regional offices (Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe), up till August 2021.

ICA-AP had identified three strategic priorities: participation of cooperatives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), youth inclusion, and exploring work and ownership structures in cooperatives. The partnership helped strengthen ICA-AP in its capacity to promote the cooperative model in international development by acknowledging their structural benefits and impact on people’s livelihoods. It was an opportunity to ensure robust programme management and increase collaboration and synergies of the staff involved. #coops4dev has helped ICA-AP engage in five and a half years of cooperative silo-busting!  ICA-AP became an active pioneer in  producing tools and collaborative outputs to strengthen the cooperative movement and contribute to a growing body of knowledge in cooperative development in the areas of legal frameworks, mapping, and research! The online interactive map developed, is a unique tool for members and stakeholders, that can support targeted policy recommendations and help improve enabling environment for cooperatives across the region and countries.

ICA regional and global offices, members, partners, and other stakeholders embarked on a journey to reinforce institutional strengthening! The project report gives a good summary of this journey!

We encourage you to join the #coops4dev team for a ‘celebratory’ event on   30th September.