UN Sustainable Development Goals

So much of the work we do to support co-op development is in an effort to remove barriers to economic and racial justice in our local neighborhoods and communities.  We, however, are not unique and are far from alone in this pursuit.

Taking a global look at the impact of co-ops, NCBA CLUSA recently shared an article highlighting how co-ops can contribute to ending extreme poverty, inequality, and climate change.   The article summarizesa report from the United Nations Secretary General which explains how co-ops can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – “17 objectives meant to end extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030 and advance a central pledge of leaving no one behind.”

While many of the efforts represented and strategies being applied are directed towards developing countries, here in the Philadelphia region, we can strengthen our co-op sector by employing similar strategies, including

• increasing awareness of the role that cooperatives have in dismantling poverty, inequality, and climate change
• generating and sharing consistent data on cooperatives to support evidence-based research
• establishing effective policies, laws and regulations in support of co-op development, and
• building the capacity of individual cooperatives to meet the needs of their member-owners, worker-owners, and/or communities

With support from our member co-ops, individuals, and organizational partners, PACA is able to put these strategies in place directly.   Learn more about PACA’s efforts by watching our 12 minute video, Unstoppable: How cooperative businesses are transforming communities.