By Samson Adeyemo
The Global Solidarity Network has marked the International Day of South-South Solidarity with a cultural salon under its “Global Solidarity Talks” programme, spotlighting the role of cooperatives in advancing sustainable development.
The event, themed “Cooperatives in the Global South,” coincided with the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the Year of Cooperatives, celebrated under the banner “Cooperatives: The United Voice of the Global South for a Sustainable Future.”
Delivering the keynote, Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Hakim Ibrahim, Chairman of the Social and Cooperative Economy Network for the Middle East and North Africa, described cooperatives as an economic model rooted in solidarity, democratic governance, and community participation. He stressed that development should go beyond financial returns to include cultural and social progress, guided by what he called the “humanization of economics.”
Tracing the movement’s history to Europe’s Industrial Revolution, he said cooperatives emerged as a response to worker exploitation, anchored on principles such as voluntary membership, democratic control, and concern for community. He pointed to Egypt’s agricultural cooperatives as a successful model.
Moderating the discussion, Dr. Mohamed Sayaf of Egypt’s Agricultural Economics Research Institute noted that agricultural cooperatives in the country benefit more than 12 million people. He also cited Tanzania’s post-independence reliance on cooperatives as an example of how such models can drive national development.
On the role of communication, Dr. Sally Saad, a public relations consultant, urged the creation of “media cooperatives” among Global South countries to amplify local narratives. She pointed to the African Climate Journalists Network as a working example of cross-border media collaboration.
Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Global Solidarity Network, said the initiative builds on over a decade of joint projects, including the African Union Simulation Model, the Afro-Media initiative, and the Solidarity of Nile Basin Peoples Project.
The salon ended with audience reflections on cooperative experiences in countries such as China, followed by a recognition ceremony in honour of Dr Abdel-Hakim Ibrahim.
