What are cooperative

A cooperative is an organization owned and operated by a group of people for their mutual benefit. Unlike traditional businesses, which are typically owned by investors or shareholders seeking profit, cooperatives prioritize the needs and goals of their members. Members often share in the governance and profits of the cooperative.

Cooperatives bring people together in a democratic and equal way. Whether the members are the customers, employees, users or residents, cooperatives are democratically managed by the 'one member, one vote' rule. Members share e qual voting rights regardless of the amount of capital they put into the enterprise.

As businesses driven by values, not just profit, cooperatives share internationally agreed principles and act together to build a better world through cooperation. Putting fairness, equality and social justice at the heart of the enterprise, cooperatives around the world are allowing people to work together to create sustainable enterprises that generate long-term jobs and prosperity.