KAMPALA, July 21, 2025 — Over 200 participants from across the globe attended the recent online launch of The Opportunities and Benefits of Collective Ownership, a new report published by the International Cooperative Entrepreneurship Think Tank [ICETT].
The webinar provided a global platform for peer learning and exchange, with contributions from ICA leadership and cooperative pioneers. Introducing the report, ICA Director General Jeroen Douglas described it as “a milestone publication”.
“I believe that this report offers tangible tools for cooperatives to better communicate their impact and leverage their identity for both visibility and competitive advantage,” he said.
Why collective ownership matters
Prof. Hans Groeneveld, former Chair of ICETT, delivered a keynote address exploring the relevance of the report and its practical application. He encouraged cooperatives to use the template to demonstrate how they benefit members and society.
“Benefits are crucial for a strong cooperative identity. And a strong cooperative identity will result in a distinctive appreciation, perception, behaviour, and reputation of every cooperative society,” he said.
Thomas Blondeel, current Chair of ICETT and International Advocacy Officer at SmartCoop [Belgium], shared how the report helped Smart define its impact.
“It allowed us to pinpoint where we contribute as a cooperative to societal challenges, and to advocate more specifically for adaptive regulations or solutions like innovative ways of organising work,” he explained.
Examples from the cooperative world
Several cooperatives featured in the report also shared their experiences during the launch:
Rudi Klijwegt of Rabobank [Netherlands] highlighted benefits such as democratic member control through local supervisory boards, member councils, and a General Assembly, as well as directing funds towards local causes chosen by members.
Michael Mugo of CIC Group [Kenya] described how the cooperative insurance group supports over 7,000 agents and brokers, with a customer satisfaction index of 86 percent. Member benefits include leadership training, scholarships, and support for new cooperative launches. CIC has also set sustainability goals, including reducing landfill waste by 25 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent.
Michelle Schry from the National Co+op Grocers [USA] explained how NCG helps local food co-ops optimise resources and strengthen their presence in the food industry. NCG also supports community development through initiatives like its Retail Ready Lab, which helps vendors bring products to market.
Santosh Shukla, General Manager of IFFCO [India], outlined how the agricultural cooperative provides 20% dividends to member co-ops, distributes drones to farmers, trains them in technology and sustainable farming practices, and offers disaster relief, medical support, and scholarships.
Jungsik Jung from the National Agriculture Cooperative Federation [South Korea] shared how Korean agri-cooperatives reduce member costs and boost income through effective purchasing, low-interest loans, education, disaster support, and mobile medical services. NACF estimates it provides over €2,200 in annual benefits per member.
Merav Niv from the Kibbutz Movement [Israel] described the kibbutzim as multi-generational, community-based cooperative businesses that also support vulnerable populations such as people with disabilities, refugees, and new immigrants, while promoting social and economic innovation.
Howard Brodsky, Chair of CCA Global and representative of Principle Six, highlighted the work of CCA as a purchasing cooperative supporting family businesses in North America with services like marketing, training, and childcare. He also introduced Principle Six, a cooperative-owned digital platform that facilitates collaboration and shared growth among co-ops.
Ibon Zugasti, International Project Manager at LKS Cooperative (Mondragon Corporation), introduced the Arizmendiarrieta Social Economy Think Tank [ASETT], which promotes social economy practices and influences policy through three pillars: a think tank, a foresight institute, and a social lab.
A Call to action
Bringing the event to a close, Thomas Blondeel called the report’s launch a “call to action”, encouraging cooperatives to engage with ICETT and help identify shared cooperative priorities for further development and advocacy.
Joseph Njuguna, ICA’s Director of Policy, echoed the invitation, encouraging participants to get involved in future discussions and to reach out to ICETT at icett@ica.coop or contact him directly at njuguna@ica.coop.
https://thecooperator.news/icett-explores-cooperative-benefits-to-members-and-society/
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