• The UN affirms that cooperatives distribute wealth in a more just way and contribute to eradicating poverty.
• Cooperatives contribute to sustainable economic growth and create better opportunities for quality employment, as highlighted by the International Cooperative Alliance.
Madrid, July 6, 2018 . The Spanish Business Confederation of the Social Economy (CEPES) highlights, on the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Cooperatives, the contribution that this business model makes, both in Spain and in the rest of the world, to achieve the Development Goals Sustainable Development (ODS) of the United Nations.
The president of CEPES, Juan Antonio Pedreño, stressed that "in the world, more than 1.2 billion people (one in six inhabitants) are members of any of the 2.6 million existing cooperatives, which contribute to economic growth sustainable and quality and stable employment, generating jobs for 280 million people (10% of the population), according to the International Cooperative Alliance (ACI) ".
Pedreño has also pointed out that "this business model, which is the backbone of the Spanish Social Economy, contributes to sustainable economic growth and to achieving the 17 SDGs, especially in aspects such as sustainability or economic and social development."
The President of CEPES recalled the words of Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance (ACI), to remember that on July 7, 2018 the cooperatives will show the world that it is possible to grow with democracy, equity and social justice to improve the present and preserve the future for the next generations. These statements are included in the ACI declaration that can be consulted at the following link: https://www.ica.coop/es/media/news/comunicacion-para-el-dia-dia-dia-dia-de-las-cooperativas -2018-sustainable societies
The UN adds on the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Cooperatives, that this business model promotes "equality in the communities where they are developed, since they are committed to sustainable development in its environmental, social and economic aspects. This commitment is manifested in the support to the activities of the community, the local supply to benefit the economy of the place and a system of decision making that takes into account the repercussions in their environment ".
