On March 28, 2024, the ICA and NCBA CLUSA were joining forces once again to host their third conversation on cooperative identity—this time zeroing in on Principle 4, "autonomy and independence." This principle states that cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. In managing relations with governments, suppliers, sources of external capital and other stakeholders, they must ensure that members remain in control and that the cooperative maintains its autonomy.
At the same time, cooperatives are critical tools for social and economic development around the world, and key partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By limiting its activity to environments free from outside stakeholder involvement or intervention, the cooperative movement would stunt its growth and severely limit its potential to build a more inclusive economy. This webinar explored how cooperatives can reconcile maintaining member control with maximizing their impact and influence.
