Young people and cooperatives: a perfect match?

The report titled "Young people and cooperatives: a perfect match?" was collaboratively produced by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) in conjunction with the Co-operative College and contributions from the ICA Youth Network. This initiative aims to address the pressing challenges faced by young people globally, based on insights gathered from 420 responses from youth across 20 countries. The report emphasizes the potential of cooperatives to support young people while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 8, which focuses on decent work, and SDG 4, which aims for quality education.

The report is structured around five key chapters, known as the five 'E's: employment, education, (in)equalities, engagement, and entrepreneurship. These chapters outline critical areas where cooperatives can make a significant impact. The findings illustrate that cooperatives are uniquely positioned to address the needs of young people, particularly in providing stable employment and educational opportunities. Furthermore, the research indicates that cooperatives can help mitigate inequalities faced by youth, making them a vital player in the socio-economic landscape.

The report identifies several strategies to enhance youth engagement in cooperatives. These include improving awareness and understanding of cooperatives among young people, enhancing the image of cooperatives as viable alternatives for employment, and establishing youth-oriented structures within cooperative organizations. Additionally, promoting decent work opportunities through cooperatives is highlighted as a crucial strategy to attract young individuals.

To support its findings, the report includes various case studies demonstrating how cooperatives have successfully contributed to employment, education, and the reduction of inequalities. These examples serve as practical illustrations of the potential benefits that cooperatives can offer to young people, highlighting successful initiatives that have already made a positive impact.

A significant theme discussed in the report is the need for cooperatives to adapt to the digital age. The research suggests that for cooperatives to effectively engage with young people, they must become more visible as alternatives for employment opportunities, particularly in a world increasingly shaped by digital interactions. This adaptation is essential for ensuring that cooperatives remain relevant and appealing to the younger demographic.

Overall, the report serves as a call to action for cooperatives to enhance their support and engagement with young people. It provides actionable conclusions and recommendations aimed at promoting youth cooperatives, bolstering youth employment, and increasing participation in cooperative structures. By focusing on education about cooperatives and their benefits, the cooperative movement can play a transformative role in the lives of young individuals.

In conclusion, "Young people and cooperatives: a perfect match?" offers valuable insights into the intersections between youth and cooperative organizations, emphasizing the opportunities for growth and development that can arise when cooperatives engage effectively with young people. This report is a significant contribution to understanding how cooperatives can align with sustainable practices and support the aspirations of the younger generation.