Within the framework of the Second Regional Event of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, "Cooperative Finance for Integration and Sustainable Development," held in Cancún, Mexico, the parallel session "Cooperatives for Intercooperation and Social Inclusion: Revitalizing International Cooperation" was held, organized by the Platform of Cooperatives of the Americas for Development (PCAD) within the framework of the #coops4dev project.
This space brought together the views of organizations that work closely together to coordinate cooperative projects related to international cooperation, along with members of the Youth (CRJ); Gender Equity (CREG); and Housing Committees of Cooperatives of the Americas.
Success stories and good practices were presented, with the participation of the panelists: François Dionne, Director of the SOCODEVI International Program and Canada's representative on the Board of Directors of Cooperatives of the Americas; Sarah Alldred, Coordinator of the International Cooperative Development Fund for Cooperatives of the United Kingdom; Carlos González, Coordinator of the ICA-EU Program for Cooperatives of the Americas; Nicolás Jacquet, President of the Regional Youth Committee (CRJ); Miriam Báez, President of the Regional Committee on Gender Equity (CREG); and Ricardo Buquete, Vice President of the Housing Committee of Cooperatives of the Americas, moderated by Paula Arzadun, Head of Education, Training and Research for Cooperatives of the Americas.
The session provided an opportunity to reflect on the role of cooperatives in social inclusion, agri-food integration, and more inclusive and transformative international cooperation. It also addressed the need for cooperatives, given the scarcity of resources and donors, to organize themselves on their own to generate solutions for young people, women, and vulnerable groups. This process not only strengthens their internal structures and puts their principles into practice, but also transforms them into engines of social inclusion, agri-food security, and community management that, in coordination with international donors and innovative mechanisms with the private sector, make a tangible contribution to improving the quality of life in communities.
Throughout the dialogue, experiences from international projects were shared, highlighting the importance of transparency, strategic alliances, the participation of youth and women, the creation of financial instruments that promote greater inclusion and democratization in the financial sector, and cooperative models as sustainable solutions to guarantee basic rights.
Three main conclusions emerged from the collective reflection:
- Living place: It is a priority to consolidate a regional legal and political framework, strengthen institutional capacities, and guarantee stable financing strategies based on public policies.
- International cooperation: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires renewed cooperation, with young people and women as pillars, constant innovation and win-win partnerships.
- Youth, women and housing: The challenges of youth unemployment, opportunities within the care economy, and the housing shortage require new responses; the cooperative movement offers collective, supportive, and transformative solutions.
As a strategic proposal, the need to revitalize intercooperation Through projects that strengthen regional networks, promote the exchange of good practices, and mobilize resources, thereby expanding the social and economic impact of the cooperative movement.
In conclusion, moving towards more inclusive and transformative international cooperation requires joint action between cooperatives, public institutions, academia, international organizations, the private sector and organized citizens.
The session was held within the framework of the #coops4dev project, co-funded by the European Union. Its content, discussions, and outcomes do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
