QUEBEC CITY, June 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Food security, access to health care and health services, the global job crisis and cooperative development and strengthening

The 2014 International Summit of Cooperatives has announced its major program themes. These ambitious, bold themes will garner the attention and interest of cooperatives from every sector of the global economy as well as world leaders and politicians.

Food security, access to health care and health services, and the global job crisis will be the central topics of discussion at the Summit to be held in Quebec City, Canada, October 6 through 9. International studies will be the framework for examining innovative ways cooperative enterprises can make a difference and address these enormous global challenges.

As it did in 2012, the program will also focus on cooperative development and strengthening. Governance, capitalization, financing, innovation at the service of members' changing needs, talent management and retention, compensation, and other issues will be discussed with a view to offering solutions for cooperative managers.

Exclusive, groundbreaking studies

The findings of groundbreaking international studies will also be unveiled at the Summit, shedding new light on the cooperative business model.

High-profile speakers and representatives of major international organizations

World-renowned speakers from the cooperative and mutualist movement and the private sector will be in attendance again this year. The Summit will also attract representatives of major international organizations, which will have a key role to play in tackling the challenges posed by the major Summit themes.

The 2012 Summit, with its slogan "The Amazing Power of Cooperatives," drove home the message that the cooperative movement is a real force in the world economy.

In 2014, the Summit will proclaim that cooperatives' innovative potential is a solution to the issues and challenges facing the world. Cooperatives have always been able to adapt, reinvent, and improve themselves in order to differentiate themselves and remain competitive. They have weathered the business cycles and economic and financial crises of the past hundred years better than any other type of business. Cooperative enterprises have also innovated by establishing a long-term management vision, incorporating sustainable development into their business models, and emphasizing human rather than financial capital. They are economic, financial, and social innovators.

Side events and activities for future leaders

The Summit will feature a number of side events focusing on other themes specific to cooperative enterprises. A number of activities have also been planned for future leaders as part of the Future Cooperative Leaders Program.

International Expo of Cooperatives

An International Expo of Cooperatives will be held during the Summit to help stimulate business development, intercooperation, cooperative enterprise, and access to new markets by bringing together cooperatives and "buyers" from all over the world.

About the 2014 International Summit of Cooperatives

Decision makers and influencers from the international cooperative and mutualist community will gather in Quebec City, Canada, from October 6 through 9 for the 2014 International Summit of Cooperatives. The Summit's bold, ambitious themes will garner the attention and interest of cooperatives from around the globe as well as world leaders and politicians. 

For further information:
(for journalists only):
Nathalie Genest
Press Relations
International Summit of Cooperatives
+ 1-514-281-7275 | 1-866-866-7000, ext. 7275
nathalie.genest@sommetinter.coop

Nicola Huckerby
Director of Communications
International Co-operative Alliance
+44(0)20-3286-8212
huckerby@ica.coop

SOURCE 2014 International Summit of Cooperatives