09:45-11:00 Panel Debate: From Local Roots to Global Impact – Cooperatives and Leadership in Peacebuilding
A multi-generational dialogue featuring interviews by young cooperators, focusing on leadership initiatives and the role of local economies, policy, technology and AI in the future of the movement.
This panel will also explore the role of cooperative leadership in conflict prevention, mitigation, and reconstruction processes, creating opportunities for sustainable development in communities affected by instability. The discussion will highlight how cooperative principles and partnerships can advance SDG 16 by reinforcing trust, and building community-led solutions to today’s social and economic challenges.
First section:
- María Ortiz Pérez (Mexico): Executive Director for Leadership Initiatives, Aspen Institute
- David Aguilar (Panamá): Academic Affairs Manager, City of Knowledge
- Valtencir Mendes (Brasil): Chief of Education, UNESCO Office for Latin America and the Caribbean
Second section:
- Donna Dizen (Philippines): Vice-President, CLIMBS
- Aline Nyirabaruta (Rwanda): CODERVAM
- Francois Dionne (Canada): International Programme Director, SOCODEVI
- Simone Gamberini (Italy): President, LEGACOOP
Discussants:
- 2 youth cooperators from Panamá
- Harsh Sanghani (India): ICA Youth Committee President
Moderator: Danilo Salerno, Director of Cooperatives of the Americas
Rapporteur: Joseph Njuguna, Director of Policy at the ICA