Cooperative summit: 400 decision-makers discuss the future in Vienna!

Cooperative summit: 400 decision-makers discuss the future in Vienna!

Last Wednesday, the International Cooperative Congress took place in the magnificent Hofburg in Vienna under the motto “Stronger Together”. The organizers were the Austrian Cooperative Association (ÖGV) and the Austrian Raiffeisen Association (ÖRV). Around 400 decision-makers, including big names from Volksbanks as well as political and international representatives, were present to discuss the central issues of cooperatives and learn from each other. Leadersnet reports that the event took place within the framework of the International Year of Cooperatives proclaimed by the United Nations, granted for 2025.

Economics Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer and ÖFB team boss Ralf Rangnick were among the high-profile speakers. Rangnick inspired those present with his keynote speech about successful collaborations in sport. Raiffeisen Attorney General Erwin Hameseder highlighted the crucial role of cooperatives in regional development, while Peter Haubner, Chairman of the ÖGV, presented the cooperative as an innovative economic concept based on cooperation and solidarity.

Diversity and innovation in focus

Over the course of the day, several impulse lectures took place that dealt with topics such as cooperation and economic models for the future. Professor Trebor Scholz spoke about digital “Platform Cooperativism”, while APA boss Clemens Pig emphasized the relevance of cooperative news agencies. Georg Sladek offered insights into innovative solutions in the field of agriculture.

Another highlight was the afternoon program, which included a so-called swarm experiment led by Michael Hengl. In a “double pass” talk, Theresia Theurl and Matthias Tillmann discussed the future role of fans in the world of sports. There was also a round of discussions on the future viability of cooperative banks, in which innovative cooperative models were presented.

Cooperatives in the spotlight of the world

In the context of global development, the activities of the Genoverband e.V. also express their support for the International Year of Cooperatives. Under the motto “Cooperatives are building a better world,” projects are initiated that promote economic participation and social integration. Loud Geno association Almost every third German can be counted as a member of a cooperative that is active in various sectors such as finance, the agricultural sector and municipal services of general interest.

Overall, cooperatives suggest considerable importance for job creation, sustainable development and economic stability. International examples, such as in Brazil with around 4,700 cooperatives or Uganda with 24,000 savings and credit cooperatives, make it clear that cooperatives form the backbone of medium-sized businesses. Geno BW reports that cooperatives support regional entrepreneurship and facilitate access to markets.

In conclusion, it can be said that the cooperative summit was not only a place for exchange, but also set the course for future-oriented cooperation. In line with the UN's efforts, it is about increasing awareness of the role of cooperatives worldwide and appreciating their ever-increasing influence on economic and social development.