ICA-AP Cooperative Research Conference to address co-ops and sustainability

The event will look at how the movement can contribute to more sustainable and resilient societies

The Asia-Pacific region of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA-AP) is hosting the 13th ICA-AP Cooperative Research Conference in November in Tehran, Iran.

Organised by the ICA-AP Committee on Co-operative Research, in conjunction with ICA-AP Regional Assembly and Cooperative Forum, the conference theme is Co-operatives contribute to more sustainable and resilient societies. ICA-AP is now calling for papers around the subject.

“Co-operatives have sustainability in their DNA, with concern for the community as the seventh of their guiding principles,” says ICA-AP.

“Among the examples, agricultural co-operatives work to maintain the longevity of the land where they grow crops through sustainable farming practices. Consumer co-operatives support sustainable sourcing for their products and educate consumers about responsible consumption. Housing co-operatives help ensure safe dwellings.”

The 13th ICA-AP Regional Assembly theme is aligned with that of the 2018 High-level Political Forum (HLPF) for Sustainable Development: “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies”. During the HLPF in July 2018, UN Member States will review progress towards achieving the following Sustainable Development Goals: 6 (clean water and sanitation), 7 (clean and affordable energy), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 12 (responsible consumption and production) and 15 (life on land).

In this context, the conference will be addressing the following range of topics:

1. Co-operatives promote sustainable consumption and production of goods and services
2. Adaptation and mitigation strategies of co-operatives to address climate change
3. Financial and sustainability performance of co-operatives

There will also be two best-paper awards (US$500 and US$300) presented to young researchers (not over 35 years of age), presenting their papers in the conference.

For further information on the submission process, or to submit abstracts (by 1 August 2018), email Mr Mohit Dave, Secretary, ICA-AP Committee on Co-operative Research, at [email protected].