The president of Cooperatives of the Americas, Graciela Fernández, participated at the invitation of the International Labour Organization in a preparatory meeting for the World Forum on Local Economic Development to be held in Seville early next year.
During her presentation at a panel on decent work, Graciela Fernández highlighted the active role of cooperatives in building a formal economy that respects dignified and decent work, and the commitment that the International Cooperative Alliance has established in this regard on the centenary of the ILO.
The President called on governments in general and local governments in particular to become aware of the role and identity of cooperatives in local development, as well as the need to have active employment policies with a specific focus on the sector, including public procurement and the stimulation of cooperative development.
In our continent there are more than 70 thousand cooperatives - which integrate some 500 million associates in total - that operate in different locations in all countries, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.
This regional forum, held on August 28 in Montevideo, sought to foster a multi-level scenario for reflection and debate on local development, being a place for the exchange of good practices developed by countries and local governments in the region, international organizations, academia, civil society organizations and the private sector from different territories.
In addition to the participation of Mercociudades and the Municipality of Montevideo as host, it was co-organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the Andalusian Fund for International Cooperation (FAMCI), the Global Fund for Cities Development (FMDV), with support from the Spanish Cooperation (AECID), the Andalusian Cooperation (AACID) and the Andalusian Government.