Cooperative leaders unite in Bulgaria to strengthen global partnerships
Delegates took part in a series of thematic panel discussions addressing emerging challenges and opportunities
SOFIA, March 24, 2026 — Cooperative leaders from across Europe, Asia and beyond have pledged to deepen global partnerships and expand joint initiatives following a high-level forum held in the Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia earlier this month.
The Cooperative Leadership Forum of the Balkans and Black Sea Region, convened early this month under the auspices of Consumer Co-operatives Worldwide [CCW] and hosted by Central Cooperative Union, brought together 45 leaders representing 19 national cooperative organisations.
Among the key figures in attendance were Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance [ICA], and Attilio Dadda, President of Legacoop Lombardy and ICA board member.
Participants from countries including Argentina, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Turkey and Ukraine used the forum to exchange ideas on innovation, governance and cross-border cooperation within the sector.
Opening the event, Prof. Petar Stefanov, President of both CCW and the Central Cooperative Union of Bulgaria, underscored the strategic importance of the Balkan and Black Sea region as a bridge between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and its growing role in economic development.
Delegates took part in a series of thematic panel discussions addressing emerging challenges and opportunities. A session led by representatives from Japan, Argentina and China explored the application of artificial intelligence and digitalisation in logistics, trade and data management within cooperative enterprises.
Another panel focused on education and training for future cooperative leaders, with contributions from Ukrainian and Russian institutions as well as European cooperative experts, who outlined proposals to strengthen skills development and knowledge-sharing across the sector.
Cooperative tourism also featured prominently, with organisations from Poland, Bulgaria and Cyprus highlighting opportunities for collaboration and proposing the revival of the International Association of Cooperative Tourism to boost joint activities in the field.
In a virtual address, Stephen Gill of Cooperatives Europe outlined the ICA’s CM50 initiative — a global leadership platform bringing together chief executives of leading cooperative and mutual businesses. He said the initiative’s “Contract for a New Global Economy” aims to strengthen the role of cooperatives in building a more equitable economic system.
Beyond formal discussions, participants visited several cooperative enterprises, including a national cooperative museum, a 24/7 autonomous retail outlet, a cooperative hospital and packaging facilities, offering practical insights into innovative business models.
Closing the forum, Prof. Stefanov called for stronger personal connections among cooperative leaders and urged the adoption of a joint resolution to guide future collaboration. The resolution was unanimously endorsed by all participants.
Delegates also agreed on the need for more frequent high-level engagements to promote dialogue, build trust and advance a shared vision for the future of the global cooperative movement.
https://thecooperator.news/bulgaria-argentina-to-exchange-cooperative-experience/
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