From Rochdale Pioneers to Global Impact: Celebrating 180 Years of Co-operation with New Development Fund
Published 23 Dec 2024
The Fund for International Co-operative Development, the first of its kind, launches to support communities worldwide in rebuilding after crises and fostering peace.
Developed through collaboration between leading UK co-operatives, the fund reflects the power of co-operation to drive global change.
Rochdale’s historic Toad Lane – the birthplace of the co-operative movement – marked 180 years of co-operation on Saturday, 21 December, with the launch of the Fund for International Co-operative Development (FICD). The new fund will provide financial support and expertise to co-operatives globally, helping communities rebuild after crises, foster peace, and create sustainable economies.
180 years ago, the Rochdale Pioneers united to create a solution to the unfair prices and poor-quality food they faced. Today, as communities grapple with similar challenges in food security and supply chains, co-operatives continue to play a crucial role in fostering trust, integrity, and resilience. The Fund for International Co-operative Development seeks to build on this legacy, addressing these issues through co-operative collaboration and support.
Timed just before Christmas, the launch underscores the true power of co-operation to foster resilience and peace. From responding to humanitarian crises to creating long-term, inclusive economies, the FICD reflects the principles of the Rochdale Pioneers and their legacy of working together to create opportunities for all.
(L-R) Paul Gerrard (Co-op Group), Rose Marley (Co-operatives UK), Debbie Robinson (Central England Co-operative) & Peter Westall (The Midcounties Co-operative)
Peter Westall, Chief Values Officer at Midcounties Co-operative, said: “We know that for 180 years Co-operatives have made and continue to make a sustainable difference on a local, regional and global scale. Today, the sheer scale and reach of over 1 billion co-operative members worldwide and their ability to bring about sustainable and long-lasting change is more important than ever.
“The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives. This fund will enable all involved in the Co-operative movement to support both existing and new co-ops to reconstruct Communities and Societies across the globe, to genuinely meet the UN aim of Co-ops building a better world both in 2025 and also for many years to come.”
The fund will focus on three key areas:
- Crisis response: Delivering immediate humanitarian assistance to areas affected by conflict and natural disasters.
- Medium-term rebuilding: Strengthening and developing co-operatives in post-crisis recovery.
- Long-term mutual aid: Promoting social justice by building resilient and inclusive economies through Co-op to Co-op trade.
The Fund for International Co-operative Development has been developed through collaboration between leading UK co-operatives, including Co-op Group, Central Co-op, The Midcounties Co-operative, Lincolnshire Co-op, and Co-operatives UK. Convened by Co-operatives UK, the International Co-operative Working Group (ICWG) has played a pivotal role, bringing together expertise from across sectors, including retail, housing, and the worker co-op movement.
Dr Sarah Alldred, FICD Manager and Secretary
Dr Sarah Alldred, FICD Manager and Secretary, said: “This fund is gathering momentum fast, with discussions already taking place with co-operatives and individuals across the UK and globally. Co-op organisations are invited to pledge support to the fund and become founder members. There will also be opportunities in 2025 for co-operatives to contribute, alongside ways for individuals to make micro-donations.”
For more information about the Fund, contact Dr Sarah Alldred, FICD Lead and Secretary: sarah.alldred@fund.coop.