Second International Summit of Cooperatives set to unite global leaders

A second International Summit of Cooperatives is set to take place next year and will unite co-operative business leaders from around the world.

A second International Summit of Cooperatives is set to take place next year and will unite co-operative business leaders from around the world.

Canadian financial co-operative Desjardins Group and the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) will be teaming up again for this major gathering of the global co-operative and mutual community in Quebec City, 6–9 October, 2014.

With this second conference, the organisers are planning to create a forum for decision-makers from the top co-operatives and mutuals, and to make sure they leave the Summit with new ideas and strategies that will help to improve the performance of their enterprise.

Monique F. Leroux, Chair of the Board, President and CEO of Desjardins, said: “We must continue to build on the success of this first International Summit of Cooperatives."


Monique Leroux talks about the International Sumit of Cooperatives.

“Our goal is to create a forum for decision-makers from the world's top co-operatives and mutuals to discuss complex issues," added Ms Leroux.

“We want co-operative and mutual leaders to leave the Summit with a wealth of new ideas that will help boost the performance of their organisations.”

Dame Pauline Green, President of the ICA, added: “The first International Summit of Cooperatives made an important contribution to the Blueprint for a Co-operative Decade that was adopted at the close of the International Year of Cooperatives."

She continued: “We must build on the momentum, cohesion, confidence and enthusiasm generated by the Year. With the support of our partners, the second Summit will allow us to take stock of progress and drive the Blueprint agenda.”

The Summit organisers said the event met an essential business need for the 2,800 participants from 91 countries last year. Given the scope and level of participation of the first Summit and the awareness it generated, this event is anticipated, by organisers, to play an increasingly influential role at the global economic, political and regulatory levels.

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