Messages from the ICA, UN and FAO underline that co-operatives are more resilient to crisis than other forms of enterprise. They are not only surviving the crisis, but also contributing to driving global recovery due to the fact that co-operatives are value based enterprises guided by the Co-operative Values and Principles. However, the ICA warns that only with appropriate policies will co-operatives continue to be able to drive global recovery and thus calls on policy-makers to take into consideration the co-operative enterprise when elaborating regulations and legislation. ICA further calls on co-operators throughout the world to strengthen their commitments to their co-operative values and principles, celebrate their success in these difficult times, and work in partnership to ensure that they continue driving global recovery around the world. See ICA, UN, FAO, IFAP and ILO  messages in various languages.

Statement from the ICA President and Chair of the ICA Gender Equality Committee - "Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all."  Available now in English. The Spanish version will be shortly available.

ICA is mobilising its members and partners around the world to provide emergency relief and reconstruction assistance to co-operators in Haiti following the devastating earthquake of 12 January 2010. It is co-ordinating efforts to obtain information on co-operators in Haiti and will be making this available as soon as possible. Co-operative movements have already taken action to bring emergency relief and the ICA and others are making appeals to support longer-term co-operative reconstruction efforts. Read full press release. - See updated information including the first commitments made to the ICA Co-operative Reconstruction Fund and information that the Israeli relief team have found and are providing medical assistance to several members and staff of ICA member, Conseil National des Coopératives CNC (National Co-operative Council) located in Port-au-Prince. .

ICA Digest No 68 is now available. The issue includes a report on the important ICA General Assembly, the historic election of the first woman president and resolutions on energy sustainability, climate change, co-operative resilience and peace and nuclear disarmament. There are also reports on the new phase of restructuring - sectoralisation - as well as reports on the many events organised by the ICA sectoral organisations and thematic committees.  It is noted that the UN has proclaimed 2012 International Year of Co-operatives and that the ICA is calling on members and partners to provide emergency relief and reconstruction assistance to co-operators in Haiti.

ICA is mobilising its members and partners around the world to provide emergency relief and reconstruction assistance to co-operators in Haiti following the devastating earthquake of 12 January 2010. It is co-ordinating efforts to obtain information on co-operators in Haiti and will be making this available as soon as possible. Co-operative movements have already taken action to bring emergency relief and the ICA and others are making appeals to support longer-term co-operative reconstruction efforts. Read full press release.

The International Co-operative Alliance is seeking candidates for the position of ICA Director-General and has opened the application period. The DG is responsible for ensuring that the business of the ICA is carried out in accordance with the Values and Principles of the ICA, the ICA Rules and Bye-Laws, and the strategy agreed by the Board. The preferred start date for this position is May 2010 or as soon thereafter as possible. First interviews are likely to begin mid April 2010. The position will remain open until filled. For more information on the position including full job description and contacts for sending applications, please see www.ica.coop/ica/vacancies.html

The ICA is pleased to announce the adoption of the UN resolution, "Co-operatives and social development" which proclaims 2012 International Year of Co-operatives. The resolution A/RES/64/136) passed on 18 December 2009 by consensus was proposed by 55 UN Member States. It recognises that the co-operative business model is a major factor in realising economic and social development and calls on governments, international institutions, co-operatives and other stakeholders to support the development and growth of co-operatives worldwide. See ICA press release.

The European Region of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), Cooperatives Europe is seeking a new Director following the resignation of its current Director, Rainer Schluter. Applications will be accepted until 10 January 2010. More information can be found at: www.coopseurope.coop/spip.php?rubrique291

The United Nations in its meeting of the Third Committee has approved the first draft of a resolution proclaiming 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives. The resolution put forward by 55 governments will now be submitted to the Plenary of the United Nations General Assembly for formal approval. The official proclamation of the Year is expected in the first week of December 2009. More information: chavez@ica.coop