QUEBEC CITY, Oct. 10, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Addressing participants of the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives, Madeleine K. Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State (1997-2001) and Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group, passionately defended the cooperative model, saying that cooperatives play an undeniable role in promoting global stability, particularly in times of crisis: "The cooperative model contributes definitely to social progress. Evidently, there are many advantages to relying on a network and I do believe in common sense."
Ms. Albright, well known for her famous quote, "There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women," was equally determined when she spoke today of our duty to stand together: "Women are particularly efficient when they cooperate; they find strength in each other. If women were to govern the world, we would all benefit".
In a more global context, Ms. Albright affirms that the cooperative model is a testimony to the fact that it is possible to work together while still maintaining your own identity and personality. She states that "Cooperatives are vehicles of socially-constructed values—values that are very likely to be passed on to future generations. This is why cooperatives must have a long-term vision for development."
Finally, cooperatives work on a code of ethics that is fundamentally different from that of traditional corporations, making them more inclusive - a key characteristic that is often overlooked when speaking of cooperatives. Ms. Albright sees this as a major advantage: "While it is true that we are moving towards a new era of collaboration - one that spans the four corners of the earth - we must make sure that everyone is involved."
Website: www.sommetinter2012.coop
Twitter: Sommetcoop2012
Website of the 2012 International Year of Cooperatives (UN)
SOURCE: 2012 INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT OF COOPERATIVES
Nathalie Genest: (418) 649-5238
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