On Day 2 the conference opened with a keynote speech by Dr Linda Yueh. Dr Yueh is a member of the World Economic Forum, a fellow in economics at Oxford University and adjunct professor at the London Business School.
Yueh provided a global outlook on economic, environmental and social challenges and the possible contributions of co-operatives in addressing them.
There were also debates, workshops and networking sessions covering subjects such as ‘Building partnerships for the future’, ‘What is the Alliance’s member value?’ and ‘An analysis of the contributing to citizens’ health by co-ops’.
Delegates also attended a book signing session by Ed Mayo, secretary general of Co-operatives UK, who presented his upcoming book A Short History of Co-operation, and had the chance to meet the candidates for the Alliance’s board before the elections at the General Assembly.
On Thursday the conference will continue with a plenary on ‘Assessing the co-operative sector’, additional workshops and debates, and a closing plenary including a keynote presentation by Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, former prime minister of Norway, who will discuss the implications for building a more sustainable future as a united movement.