Oxford 2-4 September. 2009

Organised by CRU, Open University, UK

Venue: Queens College, Oxford University. Oxford UK

Bookings are at the website

Headlines International Day of Co-operatives 4 July 2009 3 July 2009

Focus Social interest, trust and innovation 3 July 2009

Focus Death of Marie-Claude Baan-Sonzini 2 July 2009

Sofia 09 Addressing the Climate Threat workshop presentations 2 July 2009

The Climate Threat Introducing ACT Project - Addressing the Climate Threat 16 June 09

Sofia09 General Assembly workshops 03 June 09

Conferences Euro Coop general assembly 16 June 19 May 2009

European Elections 09 European Parliament elections Memorandum 18 May 2009

Coop Solutions: Co-operative Pharmacies 18 May 2009

Coop Solutions Energy Coops 18 May 2009

87th ICA International Co-operative Day

(4 July 2009)

"Driving global recovery through co-operative enterprise"

This year the theme of the International Day focuses on the opportunities for co-operatives to highlight how they not only promote economic growth, but also promote their ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. It underlines the fact that co-operatives are enterprises that can effectively contribute to global economic recovery, but also that these enterprises will do so in respect of the co-operative values and principles which guide their operations.

The recent Cooperatives Europe conference in Sofia, Bulgaria focussed on the co-operative response to the economic downturn :- Co-operating together social interest, trust and solidarity. The aim of the conference in Sofia was to highlight the strengths of co-operative enterprises that, even in a period of crisis, provide democratic regulation and an innovative dimension. Indeed, by leading people to act by and for themselves, the co- operative movement implements a sustainable and fair development.

It is not presumptuous to say that the co-operative approach - through its origins, but also the practice of democracy, participation, governance and social responsibility unique to the co-operative movement ? has proven itself. Our people centered business model offers an important element in the response to overcome the current crisis.

Read the ICA message for the International Day of Co-operatives English French Spanish Basque Italian Portuguese

Message of the United Nations Secretary-General English (pdf) - Français (pdf) - Español (pdf) Russian (pdf)

Read:- Resilience of the co-operative business model in times of crisis: New ILO report

It is with great sadness that ICA announces the passing of a dear friend and valued colleague, Marie-Claude Baan-Sonzini. Marie-Claude died peacefully on 30 June following a courageous struggle against cancer. She was ICA's longest standing staff member and was the pillar of the ICA Central Office in Geneva. Over her more than 25 years with the ICA, she worked with the Co-operative Education Materials Service (CEMAS), was involved in the development and membership departments, assisted in preparing ICA meetings and had also been in charge of ICA's database. Most recently Marie-Claude held the position of Office Administrator assisting also on personnel issues. She has made an invaluable contribution to the work of the ICA and will be sorely missed.

ICA wishes to express its sincerest condolences to the Baan and Sonzini families and in particular to her husband and two children.

C'est avec grande tristesse que nous avons appris le décès de Marie-Claude Baan. Nos premières pensées vont vers sa famille et ses proches.

Marie-Claude inspirait la confiance et le respect. Son enthousiasme, sa rigueur au travail et son courage face à la maladie ont suscité l'admiration de tous.

Toute l'équipe de Cooperatives Europe gardera de Marie-Claude le souvenir très vif d'une femme intelligente, généreuse et courageuse. Elle nous manque déjà.

Rainer Schlüter

Ray Collins

Agnès Mathis

Marc Noël

Mirko Nodari

Antonina Guarrella

Host Organisation Central Cooperative Union - Bulgaria

The European Conference is organised with the financial support of DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of the European Commission

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