The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, has highlighted the historic contribution of the cooperative movement to the promotion of social justice in a message addressed to the World Conference and Assembly of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), held in Panama last September.
Speaking to more than a thousand delegates from 80 countries, Houngbo stressed that the cooperative movement has been a longstanding partner of the ILO for more than a century, helping to develop economic models centred on people and committed to the principles of solidarity and cooperation.
“Since 1920, the Organization has maintained a dedicated structure for cooperatives and the social and solidarity economy,” the Director-General noted, underscoring the ILO’s longstanding commitment to the sector.
He also recalled the importance of ILO Recommendation No. 193 concerning the Promotion of Cooperatives, which provides an international framework for developing policies that support the growth of these organizations respecting their values and principles.
At a time marked by conflict, displacement, inequality and uncertainty, the Director-General called for continued efforts to strengthen the contribution of cooperatives to decent work, resilience and peace.
The ILO’s message thus highlights the role of cooperatives as a practical expression of social justice in economies and communities, as well as the importance of continuing to support their development in order to address today’s social and economic challenges.
Video message: https://lnkd.in/g_eDK9CC
