Rochdale’s historic Toad Lane – the birthplace of the co-operative movement – marked 180 years of co-operation on Saturday, 21 December, with the launch of the Fund for International Co-operative Development (FICD).
The new fund will provide financial support and expertise to co-operatives globally, helping communities rebuild after crises, foster peace, and create sustainable economies.
180 years ago, the Rochdale Pioneers united to create a solution to the unfair prices and poor-quality food they faced.
Today, as communities grapple with similar challenges in food security and supply chains, co-operatives continue to play a crucial role in fostering trust, integrity, and resilience. The Fund for International Co-operative Development seeks to build on this legacy, addressing these issues through co-operative collaboration and support.
Timed just before Christmas, the launch underscores the true power of co-operation to foster resilience and peace. From responding to humanitarian crises to creating long-term, inclusive economies, the FICD reflects the principles of the Rochdale Pioneers and their legacy of working together to create opportunities for all.
The fund will focus on three key areas:
- Crisis response: Delivering immediate humanitarian assistance to areas affected by conflict and natural disasters.
- Medium-term rebuilding: Strengthening and developing co-operatives in post-crisis recovery.
- Long-term mutual aid: Promoting social justice by building resilient and inclusive economies through Co-op to Co-op trade.
The Fund for International Co-operative Development has been developed through collaboration between leading UK co-operatives, including Co-op Group, Central Co-op, The Midcounties Co-operative, Lincolnshire Co-op, and Co-operatives UK. Convened by Co-operatives UK, the International Co-operative Working Group (ICWG) has played a pivotal role, bringing together expertise from across sectors, including retail, housing, and the worker co-op movement.
Paul Gerrard, Campaigns and Public Affairs Director at Co-op Group, said: “There have been few times in history where the world has faced so many threats – be it from conflict, climate change, or poverty. But in times of crisis and reconstruction, co-operatives have proven to be powerful vehicles for hope and peace. From Rwanda to Guatemala, co-operatives have rebuilt communities, showing that peace is possible through democratic, inclusive enterprise.”
Paul Waugh, Labour and Co-Operative MP for Rochdale, said:
“It’s a constant source of pride in Rochdale that we are the birthplace of the Co-Operative movement. But co-ops are a living, breathing thing, not a relic of the past.
“This new Fund for International Co-operative Development underlines the global nature of our mission. It is also a reminder that one of the original seven Rochdale principles was to “advance the common good”. That is as important in 2024 as it was in 1844.”
Debbie Robinson, CEO of Central Co-op, said:“The creation of a Fund for International Co-operative Development represents an exciting opportunity to grow the Co-op economy on an international scale.
“Together, as co-operators, we can work together to find co-operative solutions to global challenges. By supporting new co-operatives through Co-op to Co-op trade, the Fund will encourage economic participation, building resilience in Co-ops and helping to address Food security challenges through greater access to safe and nutritious food.”
