Adopted in 1995, the Statement on the Cooperative Identity introduced for the first time a universal definition of a cooperative, articulated the values that underpin the cooperative enterprise model and set out updated Principles. Taken together, the Definition, Values and Cooperative Principles provide cooperatives with a shared identity, one that distinguishes them from other forms of economic enterprise, contributes to their perennity, and imparts a sense of belonging to a unified whole with shared characteristics that transcend many differences.
Enshrined in the Articles of Association of the ICA, the Statement is the point of reference for determining whether a cooperative seeking membership in the ICA operates on a cooperative basis. Organisations admitted as members undertake to adhere to the Statement’s provisions. Many countries have incorporated the Statement, parts of it, or references to it in their national statute governing cooperatives. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) carried the statement into Promotion of Cooperatives Recommendation, 2002 [No. 193].
As provided in Article 54.2 of the ICA’s Articles of Association, changes to the Statement on the Cooperative Identity require the approval of fifty per cent plus one of the votes cast at a duly constituted meeting of the General Assembly of the ICA at which at least fifty per cent of the Full Members of the ICA are present or represented. The vote must be preceded by a full process of consultation among the Members, Regions and Sectoral Organisations of the ICA culminating in a Congress to consider the proposed changes.
You may comment on them through the Discussion Forum on this site or by sending an e-mail message to consultations@ica.coop.
