High-level representatives of the co-operative movement are making the case to G20 governments for the co-operative business model as a driver of sustainable development.
This engagement is taking the form of ten co-operative delegates participating in the Business 20 (B20), presided over by Germany this year.
Co-operators are participating in four of the Taskforces: Financing Growth & Infrastructure, Digitalization, Employment & Education, and Trade & Investment. Each Taskforce produces policy recommendations for the approval of G20 governments at their annual summit. Co-operative delegates will work to include co-operative needs and contributions in the policy papers.
Co-operators are also active in B20 Germany’s Cross-Thematic Groups on SMEs and on Responsible Business Conduct & Anti-Corruption. Alliance President Monique Leroux is serving as Co-Chair of the SMEs Cross-Thematic Group, an unprecedented opportunity for co-operative visibility in the G20 process.
The co-operative delegation to the B20 has two key messages for G20 policymakers:
· Co-operatives should be recognised as drivers of sustainable growth and employment, and
· G20 governments should ensure that the policy and regulatory framework is conducive to the establishment and development of co-operatives.
The Alliance has prioritised co-operative participation in the B20, given the economic and political influence of G20 countries. Successful G20 advocacy could translate to co-operative friendly policies on a global scale.
Co-operative delegates will next join government and business leaders at the B20 Conference in Berlin on 1-2 December. Work in B20 Germany will continue until the G20 Summit in July.
Want more information about co-operative engagement in the B20? Contact Fran McCrae at mccrae@ica.coop.
