“Within the context of international development cooperation, thanks to its values of mutual assistance and solidarity, the Cooperation can set an example for partner countries. What’s more, precisely through these values and the ideals on which the concept of human equality and dignity rests, the Italian Cooperation offers to play a decisive role in the elaboration and realization of development projects in the poorest countries with a view to ensuring populations around the world not only the right to survive but to live a dignified life. This is the true essence of a cooperation aware of the needs of the nation and that helps the economy grow with its people”. Rosario Altieri, President of the Alliance of Italian Cooperatives, spoke at “Private Sector for Development: opportunities and commitment for Italian cooperatives in International Development Cooperation” . He carried the Alliance’s best wishes to the many high ranking authorities present, which included Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mario Giro, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Giampaolo Cantini and President of the Lower House International Cooperation Inter-group Lia Quartapelle.
Boosting international commitments
Co-President Mauro Lusetti spoke to “underscore that the Alliance’s goals include boosting international commitments”. In particular, Lusetti said, “the added value that we bring as cooperatives consists of our common experience as self-starters, fierce sense of belonging, commitment to the growth of economic diplomacy and strengthening of individual responsibility”. Lusetti concluded by underscoring that “our approach is to promote cooperativism and self-development by making our vast multi-sector experience available”.
Food supply and demand gap: an abyss of 40% in 20 years
Co-President Maurizio Gardini pointed out that “the food supply and demand gap is showing 2% growth annually, and in another 20 years will be an unbridgeable abyss of 40%. We must confront the problem, not only by producing more food according to environmentally sustainable criteria, but also by teaching people how to consume and avoid waste. At the EXPO, Italy will be offering the world its vision; an environmentally sustainable development model that places the person at its centre. Cooperatives are and will be more and more committed to the transfer of knowhow in order to trigger development in the countries of the South of the world”.
