Unal Ornek Nominated for International Co-operative Alliance Board
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Unal Ornek, Board Member of Cooperatives Europe, announced his candidacy for the board at the International Co-operative Alliance General Assembly to be held in Panama in 2026.
Global Representation and Candidacy
Unal Ornek, Board Member of Cooperatives Europe (CE), announced his candidacy for a board membership position at the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) General Assembly, which will be held in Panama between September 13-16, 2026. Ornek, who represents the Turkish cooperative movement in the international arena, shared his motivation for candidacy with the public.
Unal Ornek, Board Member of Cooperatives Europe (CE), explained his goal with the following statements:
'I am running for ICA leadership not only as a representative of Turkey but as a cooperativist who wants to contribute to the common future of the global cooperative movement'
This move aims to increase the effectiveness of national producer organizations in global decision-making mechanisms.
New Era Vision in Cooperativism
Ornek emphasized that cooperatives worldwide are moving from a defensive position to becoming the fundamental economic model of the future, stating that the system is undergoing a significant transformation. The 'Implement, Promote, and Protect' strategy, prepared by the International Co-operative Alliance for the 2026-2030 period, forms the backbone of this objective. The deterioration in income distribution and the concentration of economic power in specific centers necessitate common ownership models with a democratic governance approach. Cooperatives continue to play a critical role in establishing social justice, sustainable development, climate resilience, and economic democracy.