[C]ooperatives are well-placed to contribute to sustainable development’s triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental objectives plus the governance agenda, not least because they are enterprises that endeavour to meet the economic progress of members while satisfying their socio-cultural interests and protecting the environment. They offer an alternative model for enterprise, with contributions to sustainable development well beyond job creation. Since cooperatives’ share in GDP and total enterprises is relatively small in most countries at present, the promotion and expansion of cooperatives could be an important instrument for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This brief highlights the contribution of cooperatives to sustainable development and stimulates discussion on the role of cooperatives in the design and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that will succeed the Millennium Development Goals.
Read and download the full report from the International Co-operative Alliance and the International Labour Organization here.
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