The World of Rural Co-operation International Roundtable Event 2012
How Rural Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World
11-12 September 2012
Dunsany Castle, Near Dublin, Ireland
Rural co-operative enterprises have proven in different economies and industries across the world that they, as value driven businesses, have a unique ability to build a better world. The co-operative challenge is how we can achieve more for the benefit of our members and their rural communities together than we can alone.
There is a rich tradition of co-operative enterprise in rural communities worldwide. From farmer co-operatives to rural electric co-operatives and credit unions, co-operatives have played a key role in helping rural people to improve their social and economic conditions.
Ireland is where the great co-operative pioneer Sir Horace Plunkett transformed the rural economy by helping communities to establish co-operative enterprises and credit facilities. The lessons of Ireland were used to influence co-operative development in the United Kingdom, the United States and many other countries worldwide.
This invitation only roundtable event which has the support of the International Co-operative Alliance will be used to debate and discuss the impact and future of rural co-operation worldwide. This prestigious event will be a unique opportunity to share knowledge and expertise with rural co-operators from across the world to inform the development of a plan for the future development of rural co-operatives worldwide which will be presented at the International Co-operative Congress in Manchester 2012.
The Plunkett Foundation has a tradition of bringing international rural co-operatives and co-operators together at times of pressing need an opportunity. The World of Rural Co-operation is the fifth international event hosted by the Plunkett Foundation first held in London in 1924. With the world facing a range of challenges including economic uncertainty, a growing population and energy instability, this roundtable event is a timely opportunity to explore how rural co-operative enterprises can help build a better world.
The event has the support of a range of co-operatives and rural development focused organisations including the ICA, ICOS, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, SAOS, Co-operatives UK and the Carnegie UK Trust.
About the Plunkett Foundation
The Plunkett Foundation helps rural communities through co-operation to take control of the issues affecting them. Founded in 1919 by Sir Horace Plunkett, the pioneer of rural co-operation in Ireland and much of the English speaking world, the Plunkett Foundation has been involved in a range of activities to support rural co-operatives over the past 93 years. These activities include:
Purpose of the event
The purpose of the World of Rural Co-operation International Roundtable Event is to hold a small (20-25 people) roundtable event to discuss the roles rural co-operatives play in building a better world with a view to agreeing a plan, ‘The Dunsany Declaration’ for the future development of rural co-operatives worldwide.
Specifically the event aims to achieve the following outcomes:
For further information please contact the Plunkett Foundation
info@plunkett.co.uk
+44 (0)1993 810730
www.plunkett.co.uk
The World of Rural Co-operation Conference 2012 www.rural2012.coop