1 November 2011
UN Highlights the Role of Cooperatives in Transition to a Green Economy
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During the launch of the IYC at the 66th session of the UNGA, Sha Zukang, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, noted that cooperatives have a role to play in the transition to a green economy, by offering a business model that promotes socially-inclusive and environmentally sound economic practices.

31 October 2011: As set forth in UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 65/184, the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) was launched on 31 October during a plenary meeting of the 66th session of the UNGA. The launch consisted in an informal interactive roundtable an a plenary session. The outcome of the roundtable was presented to the plenary. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, UNGA President, underlined the role of cooperatives as catalysts of socially-inclusive development and ability to empower communities through employment and income generation. Asha-Rose Migiro, UN Deputy Secretary-General, highlighted that cooperatives can balance economic viability and social responsibility.

During the roundtable, Sha Zukang, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, noted that cooperatives have a role to play in the transition to a green economy, by offering a business model that promotes socially-inclusive and environmentally sound economic practices.

The UNGA had agreed earlier that the IYC would be observed in recognition of cooperatives’ contribution to poverty reduction, employment creation and social integration. During the year, efforts will be made to increase public awareness on the role of cooperatives and their role in fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). [Invitation to launch of the IYC] [UN News Centre]

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