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The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Co-operative Alliance signed a partnership agreement called the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The goal of the MoU is to contribute to sustainable development by promoting the role of cooperative enterprises in the post-2015 development agenda. It represents an updated version of an agreement that was signed as part of the UN Millennium Development Goals in 2004.
When asked about the agreement, the President of the International Co-operative Alliance stated "The Alliance is proud to step up its collaboration with the International Labour Organization. Cooperatives promote decent work and labour standards because of the democratic checks and balances existing inside them. Decent work is the cornerstone of sustainable development, and cooperatives – providing over 250 million jobs worldwide – have proven that they can create and sustain quality employment even in times of crisis. Cooperatives also play an important role in helping small informal economy producers transition towards the formal economy. Co-operatives are an indispensable asset for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals because they offer an alternative model of enterprise, one that works towards a ‘triple bottom line’ of social, economic and environmental sustainability.”
With the development of the post-2015 development agenda, the partnership between the two organizations will build on relevant international labour standards and promote the co-operative business model.
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Source & Copyright: International Labour Organization