UNRISD 7d ago

UNRISD Senior Research Coordinator Ilcheong Yi speaks in this episode to Sifa Chiyoge, Regional Director of the International Cooperative Alliance—Africa, about how cooperatives and the social and solidarity economy (SSE) align with a new eco social contract. They explore how cooperatives and the SSE inherently promote values like self-help, responsibility, democracy, equality, and solidarity, which are essential for creating just and equitable societies that respect the environment. Opportunities and challenges of these models highlight the need to address mistrust and misconceptions. Sifa also unpacks implications of the recent landmark resolution by the United Nations General Assembly recognising the potential of the SSE to accelerate achievement of the SDGs. SSE and cooperatives are vital to a more inclusive and community-based economic approach.