UN Report: Sustainable Development for Cooperatives
17 Jul 2023
Cooperative Potential for Sustainable Development
A United Nations report published 17. July, underscores the significance of the entrepreneurial ecosystem approach as a pivotal means to bolster cooperatives, thereby contributing to enhanced economic and social well-being for all. Presented to the 78th UN General Assembly during the period from September 18 to 26, the UN Secretary-General's report on cooperatives in social development delineates a set of essential policies and measures aimed at fortifying cooperatives' role in supporting member states in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This multifaceted support encompasses the creation of dignified employment opportunities, the advancement of poverty alleviation efforts, and the promotion of environmental sustainability.
Within the framework of the entrepreneurial ecosystem approach, the report identifies five critical areas of focus, including legislation, policies, and institutions that foster cooperative development; educational and capacity-building initiatives; the cultivation of a cooperative ethos; funding and financial mechanisms; and the cultivation of networks and partnerships. The report also provides a global perspective on developments within these domains.
To harness the full potential of cooperatives and amplify their contribution to sustainable development, the following policy recommendations are proposed:
1. Supportive Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Governments should endorse cooperatives as successful business enterprises and embrace the entrepreneurial ecosystem approach. Additionally, they should allocate resources for further research into the enabling ecosystem for cooperatives across diverse geographical settings and economic sectors. This research will serve as a robust foundation for evidence-based policies.
2. Data Collection and Reporting: Governments should strengthen their capabilities to gather comprehensive and internationally comparable data on the role of cooperative enterprises in economic and social development, as well as their contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This data collection should adhere to established methodologies, such as the guidelines for cooperative statistics, and should be integrated into national economic activity metrics.
3.Integration in National Plans: Regardless of a country's development level, governments should actively promote the potential of cooperatives by integrating them into national development plans and reporting processes related to the SDGs. This integration should extend to involving cooperatives in national consultations concerning social and economic policies, highlighting their invaluable contributions within voluntary national reviews submitted for the High-Level Political Forum on sustainable development.
4. Supportive Role of International Organizations: The United Nations system, along with other national and international organizations specializing in cooperative matters, should persist in providing policy analysis, technical assistance, and capacity-building support. These efforts will continue to foster the growth of cooperatives, facilitating their pivotal role in achieving sustainable development goals.
