The 31st of October 2011 has been an historical date for the co-operative movement. During the 66th plenary session of its General Assembly in New-York, the UN has officially launched the International Year of Co-operatives 2012. The plenary was preceded by the UN informal Roundtable entitled “Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World: Contributions to Sustainable Development” with Mr. Moerland, Chairman of Rabobank & President of the EACB, as the co-operative banks panelist. Following the official launch of the IYC, a press conference was organised by the UN with Mr. Sha, Under-Secretary General for the UN, Mr. Moerland, Chairman of Rabobank & President of the EACB, Ms. Leroux, Chair of the Board, President & CEO of Desjardins Group and Dame Pauline Green, President of the ICA.
video of the launch event -45th plenary Meeting, UN General Assembly
Video of the opening segment and the roundtable discussion
video of the consecutive Press Conference on the launch of the International Year of Co-operatives given by the UN representatives, Ms Leroux and Mr. Moerland.