The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) launched the Circle of Cooperative and Mutual Leaders (CM50) on January 22, a convergence space bringing together 50 leaders from the world’s largest cooperatives and mutuals, many of which are listed in the World Cooperative Monitor. The main objective of this group will be to advocate for the cooperative and mutual economic model on the global stage, highlighting its potential to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The group’s introduction took place during an initial online meeting, marking the launch of a dedicated effort by the ICA to increase the market share of cooperatives and mutuals as a means of contributing to the 2030 Agenda and beyond.
On the occasion of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC2025), the first goal of this new initiative will be to present a Charter and a Commitment Plan at the second United Nations World Summit for Social Development (CMDS2), to be held from November 4–6 in Doha, Qatar.
The meeting concluded with a joint commitment from CM50 leaders to work collectively to amplify the visibility, impact, and influence of cooperatives and mutuals, ensuring that the cooperative business model is recognized as a key force in building a fairer and more inclusive global economy.
ICA Director-General Jeroen Douglas expressed his pride in hosting CM50, stating that the first meeting had exceeded expectations, “with leaders from more than 20 countries voicing a shared sense of urgency to demonstrate their collective strength in a world that is rapidly losing its moral compass.”
He emphasized: “CM50 can be our own Davos, responding to the global oligarchy of the super-rich that threatens democracy, peace, and economic inclusion. This is the time to show the world that another model is possible—one that deserves a greater share of the global economy,” he stated.
A Declaration of Intent
The leaders aim to make the Charter and Commitment Plan in Doha—a milestone marking the conclusion of IYC2025—a declaration of intent and a new starting point for a collaborative joint project to foster growth and innovation.
