Co-operators in Canada and around the world received a very special holiday gift: the decision by the United Nations to proclaim 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives. The resolution, entitled "Co-operatives in Social Development" was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 18. In addition to the 2012 proclamation, it recognises that co-operatives "promote the fullest participation in the economic and social development of all people" and "contribute to the eradication of poverty." The resolution also urges governments and international organisations to encourage and facilitate the establishment of co-operatives and create a supportive environment for co-op development. Co-operators in Canada and around the world applauded the adoption of the resolution. "At a time when so many people around the world have a heightened interest in doing business with organisations whose values reflect their own, raising awareness of co-operatives and what they stand for is very important," said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators, who was recently elected to represent Canada on the board of the International Co-operative Alliance. Carol Hunter, executive director of the Canadian Co-operative Association, said Canadian co-operative leaders, together with partner organisations in Canada and around the world, will be working on a program of International Year activities highlighting the social and economic contributions of co-operatives, including credit unions. For more information on the International Year of Co-operatives, go to http://tinyurl.com/InternationalYear
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