10th UN International Day of Cooperatives, 3 July 2004
"Cooperatives for Fair Globalization: Creating Opportunities for All"
Background information -- Messages
This year the theme of the International Day links to the recent report of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization and its reference to the the critically important role that cooperatives can play in shaping the evolution of globalization alongside other actors of civil society. (see background below)
The messages for International Day from COPAC members will be made available here including the Message of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) and the Message of the United Nations Secretary-General.
Globalization has had benefits in some part of the world, but overall its advantages are not yet being felt by the world’s majority. Persistent imbalances in the current workings of the world economy are ethically unacceptable and politically unsustainable and are pushing world leaders to find ways for globalization to lead to real economic and social development -- opening societies and economies and for a freer exchange of goods, ideas and knowledge but in way that is fair to all. This means changing the current path of globalization to one that put people first, respecting their rights, cultural identity and autonomy, and the empowerment of the local communities in which they live.
Fair globalization has a strong social dimension based on universally shared values, and respect for human rights and individual dignity; it is inclusive, democratically governed and provides opportunities and tangible benefits for all countries and people. |
The World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization was established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in February 2002.
The Commission is an independent body. It was initiated to respond to the needs of people as they cope with the unprecedented changes that globalization has brought to their lives, their families, and the societies in which they live.
The Commission has looked at the various facets of globalization, the diversity of public perceptions of the process, and its implications for economic and social progress. It has searched for innovative ways of combining economic, social and environmental objectives, based on worldwide expertise. It has made its recommendations seeking to build upon a broad consensus among all key actors. The Commission's final report was released on 24 February 2004
(www.ilo.org/public/english/wcsdg/docs/report.pdf). |
A recent report of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization has noted the critically important play role that cooperatives can play in shaping the evolution of globalization alongside other actors of civil society.
The Commission also identified key areas that need to be addressed if globalization is to bring the benefit of efficient economies, jobs and a bright economic and social future. The Cooperative Movement can make a significant contribution to moving Governments and the multilateral system closer to achieving the basis where fair globalization will become a reality.
- A democratic and effective State
The State must have the capability to manage integration into the global economy, and provide social and economic opportunity and security.
- Sustainable development
The quest for a fair globalization must be underpinned by the interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars of economic development, social development and environmental protection at the local, national, regional and global levels.
- Productive and equitable markets
This requires sound institutions to promote opportunity and enterprise in a well-functioning market economy.
- Fair rules
The rules of the global economy must offer equitable opportunity and access for all countries and recognize the diversity in national capacities and developmental needs.
- Globalization with solidarity
There is a shared responsibility to assist countries and people excluded from or disadvantaged by globalization. Globalization must help to overcome inequality both within and between countries and contribute to the elimination of poverty.
- Greater accountability to people
Public and private actors at all levels with power to influence the outcomes of globalization must be democratically accountable for the policies they pursue and the actions they take. They must deliver on their commitments and use their power with respect for others.
- Deeper partnerships
Many actors are engaged in the realization of global social and economic goals – international organizations, governments and parliaments, business, labour, civil society and many others. Dialogue and partnership among them is an essential democratic instrument to create a better world.
- An effective United Nations
A stronger and more efficient multilateral system is the key instrument to create a democratic, legitimate and coherent framework for globalization. Globalization and its impact Globalization has set in motion a process of far-reaching change that is affecting everyone. New technology, supported by more open policies, has created a world more interconnected than ever before. This spans not only growing interdependence in economic relations – trade, investment, finance and the organization of production globally – but also social and political interaction among organizations and individuals across the world.
Cooperatives Contribute to Fair Globalization
The Commission makes specific reference to the role of cooperatives in contributing to making fair globalization a reality:
- Cooperative can strengthen dialogue and governance
The potential for a more participatory and democratic system of global governance lies today more in the future evolution of expanding networks of people and institutions, rather than in blueprints for world government or institutional re-engineering.
- Cooperatives can strengthen economic capabilities
Partnerships between governments and private actors – business, trade unions, community organizations, cooperatives and others – are an effective means to develop the skills, infrastructure, technological and managerial capabilities, and frameworks that provide an enabling environment for private investment (both domestic and foreign) in the most dynamic productive activities. This is not about "picking winners", but establishing the preconditions for the growth of globally competitive enterprises.
- Cooperatives play an important role at the local economic base
A variety of forms of economic organization can be both economically and socially efficient in the local environment. Cooperatives are an obvious example. They are a global force, with 800 million members worldwide, yet at the same time major local actors with a capacity which is built on trust and accountability. Their contribution needs to be recognized and strengthened.
- Cooperatives promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Voluntary initiatives such as the Global Compact can help to build public trust and confidence in enterprises and contribute to the sustainability of their business…. Developing more broad-based industry level partnerships… These can engage enterprises, employers’ organizations, unions, cooperatives, governments, and CSOs, in programmes which combine promotional policies with monitoring and certification.
Cooperatives can help make globalization a positive force for all peoples in all countries.
Other related materials
Materials provided by COPAC to past celebrations of the UN International Day of Cooperatives:
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Comments or questions? Contact the COPAC Coordinator.
Updated: 25 October 2005
