The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has partnered with the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Asia Pacific and ICA Africa to launch an initiative aimed at enhancing strategic dialogue between governments and cooperatives in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region.
This collaborative effort builds upon the outcomes of the Ministerial Conference’s final declaration and continues FAO and ICA’s long-standing collaboration across global, regional, and country levels. It emphasizes the pivotal role of cooperatives and collective action in realizing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
A significant step in advancing this agenda was the virtual roundtable held on October 28, 2024, which involved technical experts from NENA ministries, cooperative organizations, FAO country offices, ICA regional offices, and international agencies. The roundtable aimed to align cooperative development strategies with the region’s priorities and needs. This meeting was crucial for refining the approach to cooperative development in rural and agrifood systems transformation in the NENA region.
The core objective of this regional dialogue is to create a more conducive environment for cooperative development, bolster the capacity of cooperatives to drive transformation in rural and agrifood systems, and contribute to food security, nutrition, and sustainable development. This goal will be pursued through knowledge sharing, policy discussions, and joint efforts to strengthen the role of cooperatives and collective action.
Key objectives of the dialogue include disseminating the findings of an FAO regional study to inform discussions and encourage exchanges among stakeholders across the region. The event will also engage policymakers in debates on strategies to foster enhanced dialogue between governments and cooperatives. Additionally, opportunities for regional collaboration to create a more supportive environment for cooperative development will be discussed.
The dialogue will highlight a collection of successful cooperative development practices, featuring case studies that demonstrate innovative solutions that can inspire and be adapted across the region. Another focal point will be the establishment of a community of practice dedicated to cooperative development, serving as a platform for ongoing knowledge exchange, capacity building, and mutual support among stakeholders.
A comprehensive roadmap will also be developed, outlining key areas for continued collaboration between governments, cooperatives, and development partners. This will help guide long-term efforts in transforming rural and agrifood systems across the NENA region. As part of this effort, an exhibition or poster display will showcase innovative cooperative models from both state and non-state actors in the region, offering participants an opportunity to network and learn from successful examples.
The Regional Dialogue on Cooperative Development for Rural and Agrifood Systems Transformation will be held in Casablanca, Morocco, from January 28 to 30, 2025. The event will take place in person with simultaneous interpretation available in Arabic, English, and French.
FAO has consistently supported cooperatives, producer and professional organizations (PPOs), water user associations (WUAs), and other forms of collective action in the NENA region. This has been through a variety of activities, including consultative processes, capacity building, advocacy, and knowledge sharing aimed at creating an enabling environment for cooperative growth.
A key moment in the regional policy dialogue was the 11th Asia Pacific Cooperative Ministers’ Conference, which was organized by ICA Asia-Pacific in April 2024. This event furthered the conversation on the importance of cooperatives in rural development and agrifood system transformation.
