The role of Cooperatives: instruments and indicators to coniugate growth and sustainable development

The Alliance of Italian Cooperatives (ACI), in partnership with the Directorate General for Development Cooperation (DGCS) of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has organised a series of events on the role of cooperative enterprises in international cooperation. The first seminar will focus on the new financial instruments disposed by the European Union and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for development aid. Prestigious speakers will discuss the appropriateness of indicators in measuring the quality and the social impact that development projects generate on local communities. 

The role of cooperatives in international cooperation development has been recognised at international level by the United Nation with the “2012 - International Year of Cooperatives” and, more recently, by many policy reports by the FAO, the ILO and the European Commission. We are now experiencing a change of paradigm: aid for development is less charity and more cooperation. Private sector and donors are called to promote sustainable economy and decent work both in their own countries and in developing countries.