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Rabat – A meeting organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is underway in Casablanca from January 28 to 31.
The event focuses on empowering cooperatives to transform rural and agrifood systems across the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region, according to a press release from FAO.
The meeting aims to create better opportunities for cooperatives by improving policies, building their capacities, and promoting sustainable development. These efforts look to foster inclusive growth in rural areas and help tackle food security challenges, climate change, and economic inequalities.
Jaouad Bahaji, Director-General of Morocco’s National Office of Agricultural Council, said that cooperatives are essential in reducing social inequalities and creating economic opportunities in rural areas.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Mukhtar, FAO’s Senior Economist for the NENA region, highlighted the strong partnership between FAO and ICA, saying that a recently signed memorandum of understanding reflects their commitment to making cooperatives central to achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Balu Iyer, ICA’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, described cooperatives as “agents of transformation,” noting their ability to address critical challenges through inclusivity, innovation, and partnerships.
The event featured several activities, including a compendium of successful cooperative practices from the region and a poster exhibition showcasing innovative approaches.
These efforts aim to provide participants with opportunities to exchange ideas, network, and learn about effective cooperative models.
On the second day, attendees will visit local cooperatives to observe their work and hear from cooperative leaders about their successes and challenges.
The meeting is expected to conclude with a roadmap for collaboration among governments, cooperatives, and development partners. The roadmap will focus on joint actions, policies, and long-term partnerships to support rural and agrifood system transformation in the region.
