The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Ban Ki-moon (in photo), believes that cooperatives can play an important role in helping young people find jobs. With youth unemployment at all-time high in the wake of the world financial and economic crisis, Ban Ki-moon reiterated that entrepreneurship is one way to tackle this challenge, noting that the cooperative model enables young people to create and manage sustainable enterprises.

The Social Enterprise Coalition’s Chief Executive has challenged the Government to improve its offer to the third sector following a cash promise of £42.5 million from the Cabinet Office.


STUDENTS have been recognised at a ceremony in London for trying to change their communities. Social Enterprise Minister Alun Michael joined graduates from the School for Social Entrepreneurs to celebrate their success. The school – for the ‘hard-headed and high minded' – trains students to use business skills for grassroots transformation rather than personal profit. Graduates have combined compassion with business to make a difference in communities.