Introducing the Report
The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), a global body representing cooperative enterprises, published a comprehensive study titled Young people and cooperatives: a perfect match? This research, produced in partnership with ICA‑EU and four regional offices, examines how cooperatives can engage youth and contribute to sustainable development. It draws on responses from 420 young people across 20 countries, analysing five thematic “E” chapters: employment, education, (in)equalities, engagement and entrepreneurship.
Key Findings on Youth Employment
Survey results show that over 60 % of respondents identify employment as their primary challenge. Young people cite unemployment, under‑employment and poor job quality as major concerns. Cooperatives are seen as a viable avenue for decent work: 93 % of global respondents agree cooperatives can help youth overcome these challenges, with the highest agreement in the Americas (94 %) and Europe (90 %). Respondents highlight cooperatives’ ability to provide job security, skill development and collective bargaining power.
Education and Skills Gaps
The study reveals a mismatch between education and labour‑market needs. Young participants stress the need for practical, vocational training and lifelong learning. Cooperatives are recognised for offering education, training and information (Principle 5), yet awareness remains low: only 28 % of youth outside the cooperative movement feel they know the cooperative model well. Initiatives such as laboratory cooperatives and youth networks aim to bridge this gap, but further integration into formal curricula is required.
Addressing Inequalities
Respondents note that cooperatives can reduce economic and social inequalities by promoting democratic participation (“one member, one vote”) and inclusive decision‑making. Survey data indicate that 70 % of participants believe cooperatives help mitigate wealth disparities, while 83 % would like more information about cooperative structures. However, barriers persist, including generational perceptions, limited youth representation in governance and financial entry thresholds.
Youth Engagement and Participation
Youth integration varies by region. Strong youth networks exist in Asia‑Pacific (70 % of cooperatives have them) and the Americas (64 %), but are less common in Europe (34 %). Where networks are present, participants report higher levels of engagement and integration. Common obstacles include resistance to change from older members, lack of dedicated youth structures, and insufficient resources for youth‑focused programmes.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Cooperatives are identified as platforms for youth entrepreneurship. Respondents highlight cooperative support for start‑ups, access to shared resources and collective capital. Case studies such as the cooperative of young pineapple producers in Togo (CJPPAB) and student‑run cooperatives in Indonesia (KOPMA UGM) illustrate successful youth‑led ventures that generate employment and promote sustainable practices.
Sustainability and the SDGs
The report aligns cooperative action with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Cooperatives contribute to climate‑resilient livelihoods, community cohesion and inclusive growth, reinforcing the ICA’s commitment to a people‑centred, democratic economy.
Recommendations for Policy and Practice
Key recommendations include: strengthening youth networks within cooperatives; integrating cooperative education into secondary and tertiary curricula; lowering financial barriers to membership; fostering intergenerational dialogue; and enhancing digital outreach to raise awareness. The ICA calls for multi‑stakeholder partnerships, involving governments, educational institutions and civil society, to create enabling environments for youth‑cooperative collaboration.
Implications for Sustainable Housing
For a pan‑European audience focused on sustainable housing, the findings underscore cooperatives’ potential to develop affordable, community‑owned housing solutions. Cooperative models can mobilise collective savings, provide democratic governance over housing projects and ensure long‑term maintenance through member participation. Youth‑led cooperatives can inject innovative, eco‑friendly designs and digital tools, aligning housing initiatives with broader sustainability objectives.