This year on 2 July, the global co-operative movement united in celebrating the 100th International Day of Co-operatives under the slogan “Co-operatives Build a Better World”, which was also the 10th anniversary of the UN declaring 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives. Perhaps there is no better way to exemplify our diverse and dynamic movement and our unequivocal contribution to a better world.
The global health and economic crisis has affected all aspects of the co-operative business and presented unpredictable challenges for our members and the local communities. Nevertheless, we have shown that when conditions are the toughest, co-operatives are the strongest. With fast, decisive and sometimes unorthodox solutions, co-operative businesses demonstrated resilience, which allowed consumer co-operatives to remain close to their members and to serve the people. This gives us hope that we have the will, strength and resources to move forward successfully.