CSocD64: Multistakeholder forum highlights cooperatives as drivers of development
The discussion reflected on the Doha Political Declaration, adopted in November at the Second World Summit for Social Development, which called for a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach to tackling poverty, advancing decent work and strengthening social inclusion
DOHA, February 17, 2026 — Cooperatives were highlighted as key catalysts for poverty eradication and inclusive growth during a multistakeholder forum held alongside the 64th session of the UN Commission for Social Development [CSocD64] at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
The discussion reflected on the Doha Political Declaration, adopted in November at the Second World Summit for Social Development, which called for a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach to tackling poverty, advancing decent work and strengthening social inclusion. The declaration identifies cooperatives as one of the models capable of delivering transformative change.
The forum was moderated by Jeroen Douglas, Director General of the International Cooperative Alliance [ICA], and brought together government officials, academics and cooperative leaders to examine financing for development, accountability in public policy and the integration of cooperatives into national social and economic strategies.
Delegates heard practical examples of how cooperatives create jobs, build inclusive communities and address the root causes of poverty. However, speakers stressed that stronger government backing and broader societal support are needed to scale up such efforts.
“The Doha Political Declaration is not just another document. It is a people’s plan that explicitly recognises what the cooperative movement has known for nearly two centuries: that social justice and poverty eradication are only achievable through a whole-of-society approach,” Douglas said.
He argued for a shift from traditional aid to “investment in resilience”, citing savings and credit cooperatives [SACCOs] that reach remote rural and underserved urban areas, cooperative finance mechanisms that de-risk and mobilise capital, and initiatives such as Coop Exchange, which is working to establish a network of cooperative stock exchanges and an international capital-raising platform.
Nicolas Roguet, Director of the Integration and Citizenship Division at the Department of Social Cohesion and Solidarity in the Canton of Geneva, said diversifying finance was essential but increasingly difficult amid shrinking public budgets.
“Co-financing from the private sector is now necessary in order to implement social projects at a time of dwindling public resources,” he said.
He added that distrust in public policy and barriers linked to accessibility and discrimination must be addressed through participation. “Political and social policies need to respond to rapid changes in society. For that to happen, it is important to involve the beneficiaries. ‘Nothing about us without us’ should apply here.”
Nihal Janset Güven, a family and social services expert at Türkiye’s Ministry of Family and Social Services, outlined her country’s poverty alleviation strategy, which is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and grounded in the principle of “leaving no one behind”.
“Our mission is to empower vulnerable populations through comprehensive social protection mechanisms, with a strong focus on breaking intergenerational poverty,” she said. She pointed to an integrated service delivery model bringing together central government, local authorities, civil society and the private sector, and highlighted the role of digital systems and community-based care, particularly in supporting women and families.
Amy Niang, Associate Professor of Political Science at The Africa Institute, offered a research perspective, arguing that the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach would only succeed if underpinned by robust legal frameworks enabling citizens to claim and defend their rights.
She cited mutual associations in Ethiopia, originally local funeral societies, which have evolved into comprehensive social protection systems providing credit, healthcare and emergency assistance. Such structures, she said, should not simply be formalised but connected to statutory systems in ways that preserve local autonomy.
Prof Niang warned that social protection policies which alleviate poverty without addressing systemic issues such as land dispossession, illicit financial flows and corporate tax avoidance risk faltering under fiscal pressure.
Fabiola da Silva Motta presented Brazil’s experience of cooperative finance, particularly credit unions, as an effective instrument for social development and job creation. Membership has grown from 7.5 million in 2014 to more than 20 million, and credit unions are now the only financial institutions present in 469 municipalities.
“Our experience shows that cooperative finance creates pathways for cooperatives to operate, fight poverty and create jobs,” she said. “But scaling these results depends on government partnership and strong, legitimate public representation, so that the cooperative model is treated not as an exception but as a strategic instrument for local development.”
Howard Brodsky, founder of CCA Global, pointed to widening global inequality, noting that the world’s 10 richest individuals hold more wealth than half of the global population combined. “That cannot continue,” he said, arguing that family businesses and cooperatives must be strengthened and expanded.
“Cooperatives are the great equaliser because they give people a stake in the game and build social capital. Cooperation is not charity; it is an economic design,” he said.
Addressing concerns over the concentration of data and artificial intelligence within major technology firms, Mr Brodsky highlighted the launch of Principle Six Cooperative, a global network designed to provide a secure, cooperative-owned digital environment and promote data democratisation.
In his closing remarks, Douglas identified three “golden threads” linking finance to development: dignity rather than dependency; democratisation of data; and recognition of cooperatives as core economic infrastructure.
“Cooperatives are not just partners in projects; they are the permanent infrastructure of a fair economy,” he said. “We need to stop funding temporary projects and start investing in permanent movements.”
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
