Cooperatives and the 2030 Agenda: Insights from Cancún

The Second Regional Event of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 spotlighted the transformative power of cooperative finance in advancing integration and sustainable development across Latin America and the Caribbean. Co-organized by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), held in Cancún from 27 to 29 September, the gathering convened over 500 participants, including cooperative leaders, national authorities, and representatives from international organizations.

A platform for innovation and solidarity

The event underscored the cooperative financial sector’s critical role in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Discussions emphasized the sector’s unique social and solidarity-based approach, particularly through innovative instruments such as impact funds and other innovative financial mechanisms. FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero highlighted how cooperatives contribute to strengthening sustainable agri-food systems, enhancing food security, and building community resilience throughout the region.

Strategic vision for regional collaboration

Participants reached a shared strategic vision to deepen collaboration between the cooperative movement and international organizations. A key outcome was the proposal to establish a regional cooperative impact fund—an initiative aimed at mobilizing resources for transformative projects and reinforcing local resilience. This vision builds on commitments made during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, held earlier this year in Seville, translating global goals into actionable strategies at the national level.

Cooperatives as catalysts for inclusive development

The event reaffirmed that cooperatives are more than financial entities; they are engines of inclusive growth, territorial development, and sustainability. By aligning cooperative finance with broader development frameworks, the sector continues to pave the way toward a fairer, more resilient future for communities across the region.

Outcome: a roadmap for action

The Cancún event culminated in a clear roadmap for action, reinforcing the cooperative sector’s role as a strategic partner in sustainable development. Participants committed to advancing the creation of the regional cooperative impact fund, scaling up inclusive financial mechanisms, and deepening policy dialogue with governments and international institutions.

These outcomes mark a significant step toward translating cooperative principles into tangible progress, ensuring that communities across Latin America and the Caribbean are equipped to thrive in a more equitable and resilient future.