Summit Info
Message From the Hosts
Cooperatives: Enterprises Building a Better World
By declaring 2012 the International Year of Cooperatives, the UN wants to recognize the economic and social contribution of the cooperative model.
This Summit's theme, "The Amazing Power of Cooperatives", is meant to evoke the idea that the cooperative movement represents a long-term solution that can help establish a more solid, democratic and equitable economic system.
We hope that the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives will encourage governments and international institutions to support the development and growth of small, medium and large cooperatives and mutuals worldwide so that we can all believe in a better world.
Dame Pauline Green
President
International Co-operative Alliance (ICA)
The ICA is an independent non-government association of 249 member associations of cooperatives and mutuals in 94 countries.
Cooperatives: The Key to Sustainable Prosperity
At Desjardins Group, we believe that the cooperative and mutual enterprise is, now more than ever, the financial business model of the future and the key to sustainable prosperity.
Sustainable prosperity is the creation of wealth through economic development that respects people and their environment, for the benefit of present and future generations.
Cooperatives have clearly demonstrated that they are resilient and relevant, and therefore part of the solution in establishing a more solid economic and financial system. More and more, the cooperative formula is seen as a solution that is not only durable but contemporary.
As cohost of the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives, Desjardins Group wants to provide cooperatives and mutuals with a forum where they can discuss their key business challenges and solutions that will promote their development, performance and business model on the global political stage.
Monique F. Leroux
Chair of the Board, President and CEO
Desjardins Group
Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in Canada and 6th largest in the world.
Generating Innovative Ideas for the Future of the Cooperative and Mutualist Model
Saint Mary's University is very pleased to be partnering with Desjardins Group and the International Co-operative Alliance by holding its "Imagine 2012: International Conference on Co-operative Economics" in Quebec City. During the United Nations' International Year of Cooperatives, the Summit and Imagine 2012 are the 2 must-attend events for cooperators concerned about the global economy.
By exploring new approaches to economics more in line with the needs of people and communities, Imagine 2012 will be a generator of innovative ideas in the area of sustainable economic development for the decision-makers attending the Summit.
Looking at the economy through a cooperative and mutual lens can only contribute to sustainable prosperity and create a better world.
Dr. J. Colin Dodds
President
Saint Mary's University
Founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1802, Saint Mary's University is renowned for its post-graduate cooperative management program.
