Young people and cooperatives: a perfect match?

The report titled "Young people and cooperatives: a perfect match?" is a significant global research initiative produced by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) along with contributions from its regional offices, the Co-operative College, and the ICA Youth Network. This collaborative effort aims to explore the intersection of youth and cooperatives, shedding light on how these organizations can effectively engage young people and tackle their prevalent challenges.

The report is structured around five main chapters, designated as the five 'E's: employment, education, (in)equalities, engagement, and entrepreneurship. It draws on 420 responses from young people across 20 countries, making it a comprehensive analysis of the contemporary issues facing youth globally. The findings emphasize the potential of cooperatives to address these challenges while contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8, which focuses on decent work, and SDG 4, which emphasizes quality education.

To enhance youth engagement in cooperatives, the report identifies several strategies. These include improving young people's knowledge of cooperatives, enhancing the public image of these organizations, establishing genuine youth-oriented structures within cooperatives, and promoting decent work opportunities through cooperative models. These strategies aim to create a more favorable environment for young individuals to participate actively in cooperative endeavors.

The report provides various case studies and examples illustrating how cooperatives can contribute to employment opportunities, educational advancements, and the reduction of inequalities. These real-world applications highlight the practical benefits of cooperatives and serve as a guide for fostering youth involvement in cooperative movements.

In light of the digitization of society, the report stresses the necessity for cooperatives to adapt and become more visible as viable alternatives for employment opportunities. It suggests that while cooperatives have the theoretical capacity to assist young people in overcoming their challenges, practical obstacles still exist that need addressing to ensure these potentials are fully realized.

Ultimately, the report acts as a call to action for cooperatives to enhance their support and engagement with young people. It offers actionable conclusions and recommendations aimed at promoting youth cooperatives, increasing youth employment, fostering participation in cooperatives, and providing education about cooperative values and practices. This proactive approach is essential for the cooperative movement to thrive and make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in Europe and beyond.