Organized by Cooperatives of the Americas and the National Institute of Association and Cooperativism (Corfo INAC Committee), the forum will bring together national and international cooperative authorities, experts, and leaders to promote sustainable territorial development and foster social innovation.
As part of the celebration of International Year of Cooperatives, proclaimed by the United Nations (UN), Chile has been chosen as the venue for the International Conference called Cooperatives build a better future by promoting productivity, inclusion, and territorial development., an opportunity for exchange and strengthening of the cooperative movement, which will take place May 12 and 13 days.
Organized by Cooperatives of the Americas, Region of the International Cooperative Alliance, and the National Institute of Associativity and Cooperativism (Corfo INAC Committee), this meeting will bring together in Santiago to cooperative leaders, authorities, and national and international experts, with the aim of highlighting the role of cooperatives as key players in the social and economic development of countries.
Worldwide, the cooperative movement brings together more than 1.000 billion members in over 100 countries. According to the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), cooperatives generate around 280 million direct and indirect jobs, representing almost 10% of the global working population. These organizations not only drive traditional sectors such as agriculture, finance, and consumer goods, but also pioneer innovations in areas such as renewable energy, technology, and social services, actively contributing to a model of inclusive and sustainable growth.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, cooperatives are experiencing sustained growth and a strong impact on regional development. It is estimated that there are more than 100.000 active cooperatives in the region, representing more than 90 million people. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Uruguay stand out for the economic and social impact of their cooperatives in areas such as agriculture, banking, healthcare, and housing. In the Caribbean, financial cooperatives are key players in social and economic inclusion.
“Boosting cooperatives is key to addressing current and future challenges. This conference, along with upcoming conferences in Mexico, Paraguay, and Panama, is a strategic opportunity to strengthen the cooperative model and advance toward a solidarity-based and innovative economy aligned with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” said Danilo Salerno, regional director of Cooperatives of the Americas.
The central objectives of this conference are to recognize the contribution of cooperatives to sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as to facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices among cooperatives in the region. It also seeks to foster collaboration between cooperatives, governments, and international organizations, and to identify challenges and opportunities to strengthen their contribution to territorial productive development. Participants will also focus their efforts on making a more significant impact at the close of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 and on building more structured partnerships.
Additionally, the forum will feature a series of specialized workshops addressing key topics for strengthening the cooperative model. Among them, the workshop on decent work, Organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the workshop focused on Financial policies and tools for productivity and territorial development, which will be facilitated by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and the workshop on rural society and food systems, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
These workshops will provide a platform for deepening their understanding of key areas ranging from fair labor to financing and the sustainability of food systems, contributing to the creation of an enriching space for the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
This cross-cutting approach reflects the potential of cooperatives to impact a wide range of sectors, offering innovative solutions for sustainability, social cohesion, and economic development. Through workshops and conferences, participants will be able to exchange experiences and gain diverse perspectives that will contribute to strengthening this model in Chile and throughout the region.
The collaboration between INAC and Cooperatives of the Americas to organize this regional forum represents a joint effort to promote and articulate local impact spaces with global reach. The International Year of Cooperatives thus serves as a call to action, inviting governments, organizations, and sector stakeholders to work together to strengthen a model that boosts productivity, promotes social cohesion, and adapts to the current transformations of the global economy.
Rodrigo Silva, president of the National Association of Cooperatives of Chile and INAC, stated: "The fact that our country is hosting this international conference and that INAC is one of the organizers of this important meeting demonstrates how cooperatives are having a growing impact on the economic and social development of our country, with our unique cooperative business identity."
After this first conference in Chile, the 2025 cooperative calendar The conference will continue with other regional meetings. From August 26-28, Mexico will host a conference on cooperative finance and its contribution to the 2030 Agenda. From October 7-10, Paraguay will host an event dedicated to cooperative education and the role of future generations. Finally, from November 25-27, Panama will bring together key stakeholders to address the impact of cooperatives on the care economy and society. These events seek to strengthen the cooperative movement, foster strategic alliances, and enhance their contribution to sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
José Alves, president of Cooperatives of the Americas, said: “We are honored to hold a series of events to commemorate the International Year of Cooperatives throughout our continent. We have no doubt that the collaborative work of the cooperative movement, international organizations, and national governments can provide one of the keys to consolidating the sustainable development model the world needs.”
Cooperativism in Chile: public-private partnerships, public policies, and sustainable development
The selection of Chile as the host country of the International Cooperative Alliance recognizes the significant progress made in recent years in positioning cooperativism as a key player in the sustainable development of the country's various regions. This positioning has been the result of a strong alliance between public agencies and the cooperative movement. This forum is a unique opportunity both to consolidate cooperativism as a socioeconomic player and to establish a state policy specifically focused on its growth and strengthening.
With this drive and recognition, cooperatives in Chile are projected as an alternative to address the economic and social challenges of the future. Various studies reveal that, in some countries, their economic contribution has increased by up to 35% over the last five years, according to the World Cooperative Monitor 2023This data demonstrates the cooperative model's ability to adapt, drive inclusive growth, and consolidate a model that articulates production, social cohesion, and modernization.
"Holding this meeting in Chile, within the framework of the International Year of Cooperatives, recognizes the progress our country has made in strengthening the cooperative movement. It is a unique opportunity to consolidate alliances, project new challenges, and further enhance the positive impact of cooperatives in our communities," emphasized Cristóbal Navarro, executive director of the Corfo INAC Committee.
Cooperatives in Chile are experiencing a period of growth and consolidation. According to figures from the Ministry of Economy's Division of Associations and Cooperatives, at the beginning of 2025, there were 2.104 active cooperatives registered in the country, representing a 12,5% increase compared to the previous year. This momentum reflects a renewed interest in adopting a model that promotes self-management, cooperation, and democratic governance. Furthermore, the cooperative movement brings together more than 2,1 million members, representing nearly 12% of the national population, demonstrating its importance in the country's economic and social life.
"Today, cooperatives are key players in job creation, social inclusion, and the revitalization of local economies. Their adaptability and contribution to sustainability consolidate them as a strategic model for building a more equitable and participatory Chile," said Horacio Azócar, Vice President of INAC.
With more than 130 years of history, cooperatives in Chile are projected with renewed momentum as a solid alternative to face the economic and social challenges of the future. Therefore, the first international conference Cooperatives promoting productivity and territorial development It will be a key opportunity to reaffirm their role in sustainable development, strengthen strategic alliances, and showcase the transformative potential that cooperatives offer to build more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous communities.
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