Strategic Dialogue on Cooperative Development for Rural and Agrifood Systems Transformation in the Near East and North Africa Region
Casablanca (Morocco), 28/01/2025 - 30/01/2025
FAO has been a longstanding partner in supporting cooperatives, cooperatives, producer and professional organizations (PPOs), and water user associations (WUAs), and other forms of collective action in the NENA region through a variety of activities, including consultative processes, capacity building, advocacy, knowledge sharing, and contribution to creating enabling environments. A major focus of FAO's efforts is assisting governments in developing and revising policies and legislation that support cooperative development. FAO also facilitates policy dialogues and capacity-building initiatives to help organizations understand regulations and engage in policymaking processes.
At regional level, a key moment for advancing policy dialogue was the 11th Asia Pacific Cooperative Ministers' Conference, organized by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) office for Asia-Pacific in April 2024. The conference focused on “Partnerships between Government and Cooperatives for Cooperative Resilience, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Growth in Asia Pacific and Middle East and North Africa region.” It highlighted the importance of fostering an enabling environment for cooperatives to thrive, strengthening dialogue between governments and cooperatives, reviewing and revising cooperative policies, and integrating cooperatives into national development plans.
Building on this, FAO RNE, ICA Asia Pacific, and ICA Africa have initiated a collaborative effort to enhance strategic dialogue between governments and cooperatives in the region, following up on the Ministerial Conference’s final declaration. This initiative continues FAO and ICA's long-standing collaboration at global, regional, and country levels, further advancing the role of cooperatives and other forms of collective action in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
To further refine the agenda for this on Cooperative Development for Rural and Agrifood Systems Transformation in the Near East and North Africa Region, a virtual roundtable was held on October 28, 2024, with participation of technical experts from ministries of NENA countries, cooperative representative organizations, FAO Country Offices, ICA Regional Offices, and other international agencies. This roundtable served as a crucial step in shaping the dialogue and ensuring it aligns with the region’s needs and priorities.
Main Objective
The primary objective of this Regional Dialogue is to improve the enabling environment for cooperative development, enhance their capacities to transform rural and agrifood systems, and contribute to food security, nutrition, and sustainable development across the NENA region. This will be achieved through a focused exchange of knowledge, policy discussions, and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening the role of cooperatives and other forms of collective action.
Specific Objectives
- Share the findings of a FAO regional study to inform stakeholder debate and foster exchange across countries in the region.
- Engage policymakers and stakeholders in a debate on opportunities and strategies for enhancing strategic dialogue between governments and cooperatives.
- Discuss regional-level collaboration opportunities to advance an enabling environment for cooperative development.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF THE REGIONAL DIALOGUE
- A compendium of good practices in cooperative development in the region, highlighting success stories and innovative solutions for inspiration and adaptation.
- A community of practice focused on cooperative development, serving as a platform for continued knowledge exchange, capacity building, and mutual support among stakeholders.
- A roadmap for continued collaboration and strategic dialogue between governments, cooperatives, and development partners, outlining key areas for joint action and fostering long-term partnerships in transforming rural and agrifood systems in the region.
An exhibition/poster display will be organized to showcase innovative approaches and best practices for cooperative development from state and non-state actors across the region, offering participants a chance to network and learn about successful models.
FORMAT AND VENUE
The Regional Dialogue on Cooperative Development for Rural and Agrifood Systems Transformation in the Near East and North Africa Region will be held in Casablanca, Morocco from Tuesday, January 28, to Thursday, January 30, 2025.
The event will take place in person, with simultaneous interpretation available in Arabic, English, and French.