5 July
2008: On the occasion of the fourteenth United Nations International Day of
Cooperatives, celebrated on 5 July 2008, Juan Somavia, Director-General of the
International Labour Organization (ILO), delivered a message on confronting
climate change through cooperative enterprise.

In his
message, the Director-General stressed that cooperatives represent an important
global network that can play a key role in meeting the climate change challenge
through promoting energy
efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He explained that the values central
to cooperatives, such as the importance of dialogue at all levels, solidarity,
or the establishment of sustainable enterprises, will be essential in the
transition towards creating green and decent jobs. Somavia also stated that “cooperatives can lead us closer towards
a democratic, people-centred economy which cares for the environment, while
promoting economic growth, social justice and fair globalization.” [The statement] [Slideshow]