Declaration launch event sees FAO Director-General stand poised to deliver action plan with world co-op leaders
On Wednesday 31st October the Dunsany Declaration was officially launched by Plunkett Foundation’s Chief Executive at Co-operatives United, the official culmination of the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives 2012.
Key themes of the Declaration, such as the ability of rural co-operatives to empower people across the world, promote democracy and inspire future generations by promoting the co-operative message were mirrored in the International Co-operative Alliance’s (ICA) Blueprint for a Co-operative Decade, adopted yesterday at the General Assembly.
The Dunsany Declaration is a framework for the development of rural co-operatives internationally and was developed by a range of participants from individual co-operatives, United Nations agencies, international co-operative agencies, national co-operative support organisations and co-operative sector representatives who, together, make up the Dunsany Group.
It was launched by Peter Couchman at a special event at which the Director-General of The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, José Graziano da Silva, was a special guest. He had previously referred to the Dunsany Declaration in his speech during the Opening Ceremony of Co-operatives United, stating that it provides an important contribution to the global plan of action.
Referring to the Declaration in an official statement, FAO said: “FAO supports the efforts of the Dunsany Group and the vision for rural co-operative development articulated in the Dunsany Declaration. FAO stands ready to work with other stakeholders to advance this important agenda.”
The event was chaired by Jim Metcalfe of Carnegie UK Trust and saw speakers Martin Lowery, Executive Vice President of the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (US), Simel Esim, Chief of the Co-operative Office, International Labour Office, and Dr Eve Crowley, Deputy Director of the FAO. Also in attendance were David Button, Chair of Co-operatives UK and James Graham of the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS).
For more information please visit www.rural2012.coop.