Over 10,000 co-operators are set to take part in a global event to celebrate the end of the International Year of Co-operatives. Booking is set to go live early this month for Co-operatives United in Manchester, UK, which will bring co-operatives from around the world together in a festival of events and exhibitions to mark the culmination of the International Year of Co-operatives. The three-day event (31 October-2 November), organised by the ICA with co-hosts the Co-operative Group and Co-operatives UK, will host the ICA Extraordinary General Assembly, the ICAEXPO and a number of other conferences, workshops and exhibitions. Delegates fees for international visitors are £462, making it the lowest priced GA for some years. The fees do not include accommodation or the international dinner and awards ceremony which is priced at £150. The event will announce the winners of the Coop‘Art youth contest and the Rochdale Pioneers Award recipient, which recognises a person, or under special circumstances a co-operative, that has made a significant contribution to the movement. Visitors to Manchester will also have the opportunity to visit nearby Rochdale, declared the World Capital of Co-operatives at the Cancun General Assembly, for tours around the refurbished Rochdale Pioneers Toad Lane museum. A special screening of a film about the Rochdale Pioneers, Men of Rochdale, will also take place. ICA President Dame Pauline Green said: “Co-operatives United is an incredible opportunity, bringing together the global co-operative movement for a week of celebration as we look forward to the launch of a co-operative decade. “If there’s one thing that you and your organisation does for the International Year, make it this – come to Co-operatives United, the global culmination of our momentous year.” One of the highlights of the event is Co-operative Living, a purpose-built interactive community with shops, a farm and a garden that shows what a world would look like with everything made by co-operatives. Organisers are looking for international co-operatives to contribute to the event by displaying products, which could be anything from napkins to garden benches. (Email Joseph Walker to display your product). Delegates can take part in Co-operative Congress — the UK’s discussion forum for co-operators, which will focus on the growing co-operative economy featuring industry leaders and economic experts as keynote speakers. Over 150 workshops will focus sessions on a variety of topics from ethics in business to best practices. The interactive and speaker-led seminars aim to cater for all areas of the co-operative movement. A fringe festival will bring together films, food, theatre, music, art and competitions. • For more details about the General Assembly visit www.2012.coop/en/ga and to book your place at Co-operatives United, visit the official website: www.manchester2012.coop/book-now
