A contract for the future: Cooperatives rally nations to deliver a fairer, more sustainable economy
With over 3 million enterprises, 1 billion members, and a presence in every country, cooperatives and mutuals already constitute the largest democratic business network in the world — proving that community-owned enterprise models can deliver strong economies without sacrificing social justice
DOHA, November 4, 2025 — The International Cooperative Alliance [ICA], yesterday officially launched the Cooperatives and Mutuals 50 [CM50] leadership circle, and published a landmark global framework: A Contract for a New Global Economy. This manifesto calls on governments and international institutions to recognise cooperatives and mutuals as essential partners in delivering a fair, sustainable and resilient future.
Launched ahead of the Second UN World Social Summit, the Contract outlines a bold commitment by the world’s largest cooperative and mutual enterprises to accelerate progress on social development, climate action, and shared prosperity — while urging policymakers to embed cooperative solutions into national and global economic strategies. A ready-made pathway for a fairer economy.
With over 3 million enterprises, 1 billion members, and a presence in every country, cooperatives and mutuals already constitute the largest democratic business network in the world — proving that community-owned enterprise models can deliver strong economies without sacrificing social justice.
Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance, said: “A better world is possible, and cooperation is the way forward. As the world faces historic challenges — climate disruption, inequality, and weakening trust — cooperatives stand ready to help renew the global social contract.”
A Coordinated Global Commitment Established in 2025, CM50 unites the world’s largest cooperative and mutual enterprises — collectively serving hundreds of millions of members and employing millions of people across agriculture, insurance, health, finance, housing, and energy. Collectively, CM50 member organisations have a combined turnover of more than US$ 300 billion.
Jeroen Douglas, Director General of the ICA and co-Chair of CM50, said: “Cooperatives and mutuals are not a marginal alternative — they are a proven, essential solution. When markets fail and societies fracture, cooperatives step forward. This Contract is both our commitment and our invitation to governments to build a better economy together.”
Shaun Tarbuck, Co-Chair of CM50, said: “Our businesses work for people and the planet, not speculation. We are ready to partner with governments to scale solutions rooted in fairness, democracy and sustainability.”
Key pillars of the contract
The document sets out cooperative-led commitments organised around internationally recognised cooperative principles, including: access to capital by launching cooperative-friendly financing tools, including a CM50 Coop Exchange and investment funds; and education and leadership, through establishing a global cooperative curriculum and leadership pathway for youth and women.
It also looks at enhancing cooperation and digital innovation through building shared cooperative digital infrastructure and ethical AI tools; and building climate & community resilience via post-crisis recovery funds, regenerative food systems, and cooperative carbon programmes
A call to governments and multilateral institutions
CM50 invites policymakers to adopt five priority commitments:
- Official recognition of the cooperative model
- Access to sustainable finance for cooperatives
- Regulatory frameworks enabling innovation and digital growth
- Protection of cooperative identity and democratic governance
- Integration of cooperatives into national SDG strategies
As the world faces escalating climate, economic and social crises, the cooperative movement stands ready to lead a new era of inclusive, democratic, climate-smart economic development. “The cooperative model already delivers the values the world seeks — equity, resilience, and shared prosperity,” added Guarco. “The moment has come to scale it.”
About the International Cooperative Alliance
The ICA is the global steward of the cooperative identity, representing over 3 million enterprises and 1 billion members in 150+ countries. www.ica.coop About CM50 The Cooperatives and Mutuals Leadership Circle [CM50] is an initiative of the ICA that unites 50 of the world’s largest cooperative and mutual enterprises to drive global leadership, innovation and advocacy.
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