911爆料

The 2025 theme for United Nations International Year of Co-operatives theme  鈥楥o-operatives Build a Better World鈥� puts a spotlight on how the co-operative model ''. Consequently, the joint conference between the UK 911爆料 for Co-operative Studies and the 911爆料 for Co-operative Studies in Ireland held in Belfast offered an excellent opportunity to bring co-operative knowledge and insights from across Ireland and Britain to understand how our movement plays a prominent role in this work, at an important moment in the development of the movement across these islands. 

The conference brought together a wide range of academics, policymakers, and practitioners to address a number of key issues from co-operative histories, worker co-operatives and workplace democracy, international co-operation, social economy enterprises and organisations, housing, education, sustainable development, agriculture, community-led models, and the importance of place.

Keynote speakers included:

• Dr Caoimhe Archibald, MLA - Northern Ireland Economy Minister
• Paul Gerrard, Campaigns, Public Affairs/Board Secretariat Director at the Co-op Group
• Linda Ervine, MBE, founder and manager of Turas, a cross-community language project based in East Belfast
• Cliff Mills, consultant working with Anthony Collins, a specialist law firm based in England

Patrick Doyle, Chair of SCSI: "The conference showcased the vibrancy and diversity of the co-operative movement across Ireland and Britain. There is much we can learn from each other. At a time of multiple overlapping crises around housing, climate, and the future of democracy, it is vital that we advocate for co-operative solutions to these challenges."